In a major shift for the long-running Xbox franchise, Gears of War: Reloaded, is officially heading to PlayStation 5, breaking nearly two decades of platform exclusivity. The remastered edition of the 2006 classic will launch on Aug. 26, 2025, giving PlayStation gamers their first chance to experience one of Xbox's most iconic titles.
The announcement marks a significant moment in the gaming industry, as Microsoft continues to open its first-party titles to wider audiences. While Gears of War has been synonymous with Xbox since its debut, this new cross-platform approach signals a more inclusive future for the franchise.
Developed in collaboration with The Coalition, Sumo Interactive and Disbelief, Gears of War: Reloaded promises a revitalised experience for veterans and newcomers alike. The remaster has 4K visuals, 60 frames per second in campaign mode and up to 120 fps in multiplayer, alongside Dolby Vision and Atmos support. Players can also expect seamless gameplay, with developers pledging “zero loading screens” throughout the campaign.
Notably absent from the release list, however, is Nintendo. Despite speculation, there has been no confirmation of Gears of War: Reloaded launching on the current Nintendo Switch or the rumoured Switch 2.
Currently, the game is only slated for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5 and Steam.
Priced at $39.99, the package includes all content from Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, granting players access to bonus campaign content, multiplayer maps and modes, as well as a full roster of classic characters and cosmetics unlockable through gameplay progression.
Cross-play and cross-progression will allow gamers across platforms to team up, with multiplayer supporting up to eight players online. The campaign will also feature a two-player co-op mode, while split-screen functionality remains available for those preferring couch co-ops.
The move follows a growing trend of former Xbox exclusives crossing over to rival consoles. Earlier this year, Forza Horizon 5 sped onto PlayStation 5, raising questions over which other Xbox franchises might follow suit.
As Gears of War approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, this release not only celebrates the franchise's legacy but also ushers it into a new era of looking beyond console boundaries to bring its gritty battles to a broader player base.
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