The impossible has finally happened: Microsoft confirmed that the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved will launch on PlayStation 5 (among other platforms), meaning the literal face of the Xbox brand will be available on its main competitor's current-generation console very soon. For many, this was the end of the “Console Wars”, but in reality, Microsoft has been betting on this cross-platform strategy for many years, and it has worked out pretty well for them so far.
As amazing as seeing Master Chief on one PlayStation 5 is, it's not the first time a famous Xbox icon has been ported to the competition's system, and it won't be the last either. There are actually many good ones Microsoft/Xbox game on PlayStation consoles, with the following titles being the most infamous so far. Keep in mind that this list will include titles that were either published directly by Xbox Game Studios or by one of Microsoft's subsidiaries (such as Bethesda or Activision), but only if they were released on PlayStation after their developers' respective acquisitions.
Hi-Fi Rush
A colorful hack-and-slash game with brilliant rhythm-based gameplay
Most PlayStation users couldn't help but feel jealous when Bethesda's shadow fell Hi-Fi Rush in early 2023. This amazing hack-and-slash game with a beautiful comic-inspired art style and a unique but brilliant rhythm-based battle system was originally 100% exclusive to PC and Xbox consoles.
Fortunately, Microsoft started its initiative to port its exclusive products to PlayStation systems a little over a year later, meaning that Hi-Fi Rush was eventually made available on PlayStation 5 as well. This is a win-win for everyone involved, as this game is a true work of art that anyone who appreciates animation, comedy, video games, and music can and will enjoy.
Based
Obsidian Entertainment's inventive survival game
Many loved games by Obsidian Entertainment, such as Pentium or The Outer Worlds 2are currently available on PlayStation consoles, but Based remains one of their best projects from recent years. At first glance, this might seem like a cartoon about a bunch of kids who shrink down and have to explore their backyard, but it quickly becomes clear that this is actually a ruthless survival adventure where players must be extremely careful if they want to survive.
Small insects suddenly become gigantic beasts, insignificant materials such as sticks or leaves become valuable resources, and everyday objects such as toys or trees become massive structures that must be climbed. The world of Based is truly fascinating, and its gameplay loop is downright addictive (if a little frustrating at times), so any survival fan who might have been put off by the presentation should give it a try.
Sea Of Thieves
The Quintessential Pirate Video Game
Microsoft's acquisition of Rare in 2002 was highly controversial, mainly because it meant that the British studio that had worked closely with Nintendo for many years would begin making Xbox exclusives. This partnership led to many disappointing releases, until Rare was finally made Sea of Thieves. Although initially met with some valid criticism, it eventually became a true modern classic.
Anyone interested in pirates must play this game, it's that simple. It allows players to create their own character, form their own pirate crew and set sail to find treasure, raid other ships and even fight massive aquatic monsters, such as the Kraken or the Megalodon. Sea of Thieves is a very fun open-world multiplayer game that remained exclusive to Xbox consoles for six years, until Microsoft ported it to PS5 in early 2024.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indy's best and biggest video game adventure
It seems that Microsoft tried to stick with the concept of Xbox exclusives for a while, because Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was initially exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC, but it was later ported to PlayStation 5 in early 2025. However, this is another case where consumers win, as this is an excellent action-adventure game that was well received and even won a few awards.
Indiana Jones starred in some decent video games before this, though The big circle is on another level. The talented staff at MachineGames showed off their expertise in developing exciting first-person adventures with historical backgrounds and managed to create something truly special. In terms of gameplay, controlling Indy and using his iconic whip to fight enemies is incredibly satisfying. The game's various environments look absolutely stunning, not to mention that Troy Baker's impeccable performance as the title character makes the whole project feel like a true Indiana Jones feature film.
Doom: The Dark Ages
The latest entry in this iconic FPS series did not disappoint
The Downfall the series has been associated with Microsoft and Windows since its inception, as the original 1993 game pretty much revolutionized and popularized PC first-person shooters. Still, since its development studio, id Software, was acquired by Bethesda in 2009 (which was later acquired by Microsoft in 2020), this is technically a Microsoft-owned franchise now.
The only one Downfall the game released after this acquisition was 2025s Doom: The Dark Agesand despite some initial concerns from PlayStation fans, it launched simultaneously on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC. Fortunately, The Dark Ages is as violent and fast-paced as its two predecessors (Doom (2016) and Doom: Eternal), but its new dark fantasy color, its detailed modern graphics, and its more grounded combat system with a greater focus on parrying helped it stand out.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2
The Return Of A Once-Forgotten PlayStation Exclusive
It's really strange how the video game industry works sometimes. The Ninja Theory Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was originally released as a PS4 exclusive back in 2017, but it was ported to Xbox One in 2019, a few months before Microsoft announced that it had acquired the entire development studio. As a result of this purchase, the direct sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2was 100% exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC for over a year.
Fortunately, it was ported to the PS5 in August 2025, so now users of Sony's console can experience this dark and emotional adventure. Just like its predecessor, Hellblade 2 may look like a realistic action-adventure game from the outside, but it's actually a deep dive into the disturbed psyche of its titular character, complete with disturbing visuals and plenty of shocking moments. That's not all, because this game also has beautiful, realistic graphics and a brutal combat system that keeps things interesting.
Gears Of War: Reloaded
Another huge Xbox icon who made the jump to PlayStation
The news that a Halo the game would launch on PS5 wasn't particularly surprising as it might have been a few years ago, as Microsoft had already done the same thing with another of its big exclusive IPs several months ago. The latest edition of Gears of War: Reloaded was a monumental moment for both companies as it was the first time an entry in this beloved third-person shooter series was available on a PlayStation console.
As a remastered port of the 2006 classic, Gears of War: Reloaded takes everything that made this franchise so special and popular in the first place, but gives it a much needed modern coat of paint with detailed HD graphics and online multiplayer with cross-play and cross-progression. After all, this frenetic and violent third-person shooter has aged surprisingly well, and luckily, it's now been made available to an even bigger audience.
Ninja Gaiden 4
PlatinumGames proved that they can still make excellent hack-and-slash games
3D Ninja Gaiden gaming is synonymous with the Xbox brand. The original 2004 reboot and its sequels were exclusive to the Xbox and Xbox 360 respectively. Although these games were eventually ported to other platforms, Microsoft still maintained a close partnership with Koei Tecmo, which is why the latest entry in the series, Ninja Gaiden 4was published by Xbox Game Studios (who released it on PC, Xbox Series X/S and PS5).
PlatinumGames was chosen to develop this long-awaited return to the 3D formula, and while fans were initially apprehensive about this choice due to the studio's current state, they definitely knocked it out of the park and proved that they still have what it takes to make an exciting character action game. Ninja Gaiden 4 features a fun and stylish combat system, a variety of fun weapons and abilities for both Ryu and Yakumo to use in battle, and a collection of challenging bosses that are very satisfying to defeat.
