Since its launch back in 2020, the PlayStation 5 has proven to be one of the most powerful consoles around. Despite the Sony console's difficult first years brought on by COVID-19's supply chain issues, the PlayStation 5 has maintained a strong presence and impressive sales.
Over the years, PlayStation and Xbox have been natural competitors. However, what was once deemed the "console wars" seems to have been coming to an end. Microsoft has hinted that Xbox is no longer in the market for exclusivity and is more focused on expanding its brand. Right now, it's not totally clear what that means for the Xbox's identity as a console, but it's already ignited plenty of rumors that the PS5 is set to get some Xbox heavy-hitters for the first time.
Starfield on PlayStation 5 Could Finally Put One Debate to Bed
If Starfield does indeed make its way to PlayStation 5, it could help settle a raging, contentious debate in the gaming community.
If Port Rumors Are True, the PS5's 2026 Lineup Could Be Filled With More Xbox Titles Than Sony Exclusives
The Biggest Xbox-Exclusives Rumored to Be Getting PS5 Ports, So Far
- Starfield
- Halo
- Gears of War
There have been claims that a PS5 port for Starfield could be ready as early as this year. If that's the case, then it takes one Xbox exclusive off the potential 2026 schedule, but that still leaves huge franchises like Halo and Gears of War as possibilities. One anticipated port for the PS5 is the Gears of War Collection, and while Halo is also likely, the former has an even bigger reason to get ported right now.
Over the years, PlayStation and Xbox have been natural competitors.
Gears of War: E-Day is Around the Corner
- Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel to the entire series.
- A release date has yet to be announced, but it's speculated to launch in 2026.
A 2026 launch may not be official, but considering that next year marks Gears of War's 20th anniversary, it seems quite possible. Gears of War: E-Day is highly anticipated, and if Microsoft wanted hype to reach a new level, launching the game on both Xbox and PS5 would be a great way to do so. Leading up to Gears of War: E-Day's release, it wouldn't be too shocking to see the Gears of War Collection launch ahead of it in order to give PS5 players a chance to dive into the story.
Even if Gears of War was the only Microsoft-owned franchise to come to the PS5 in 2026, that would still be a lot at once. Throwing Halo into the mix would be a massive cherry on top for Sony lovers. Such ports have yet to be officially confirmed, but the PS5's barren 2026 schedule could be hinting at upcoming announcements.
Xbox has already brought some exclusives to the PS5. Hi-Fi Rush and Grounded arrived last year, while this year brought Forza Horizon 5 to the Sony console; Xbox's biggest franchise to be ported, so far.
Right Now, the PS5 Has Only One Exclusive Confirmed For 2026
- Saros is the next game from Housemarque, the developer of Returnal.
There are exclusives like Intergalactic and the long-awaited Marvel's Wolverine expected to arrive in the future, but they have yet to lock in launch targets. While this is purely speculation, it's possible that Sony is keeping the PS5's calendar bare to make room for Xbox titles.
Only time will tell if these rumored PS5 ports are proven to be true or not, but gamers may be set to get answers soon. The upcoming Xbox Games Showcase scheduled for June 8 could have plenty of surprises in store, and it would be the perfect stage to announce such major ports. As the year continues, these rumors and theories will hopefully get answers, and if confirmed, it will be a huge moment for the industry.