The last decade has brought major changes to the PlayStation versus Xbox rivalry.
Microsoft has been fighting an uphill battle since the troubled Xbox One launch in 2013.
Even with aggressive moves like Game Pass, billion-dollar studio acquisitions, and various hardware iterations, Xbox hasn’t managed to close the gap.
Reports from a credible insider reveal Sony has stopped seeing Xbox as a serious threat, describing it as a “diminishing platform” that no longer shapes PlayStation’s high-end game decisions.
Is the PS5 Outselling Xbox by a Huge Margin?
The sales numbers explain this perspective well — PlayStation 5 has reportedly sold more than 75 million units, whereas Xbox Series X/S hasn’t reached 30 million yet after nearly five years.
These numbers are much lower than those of previous generations, where the Xbox 360 sold 84 million units despite coming in third.
The lower sales mean fewer licensing fees from third-party games, which weakens Microsoft’s position with publishers and developers.
Sony’s powerful hardware keeps the PS5 as the top choice for most big blockbuster games.
Why Is Sony Keeping Its Biggest Games Off Xbox?
This is why Sony is reportedly keeping its biggest single-player franchises off Xbox entirely.
Titles such as Marvel’s Spider-Man, God of War, and the upcoming Wolverine are central to PlayStation’s brand and reputation.
According to insider Millie Amand, these are “premium content” titles that Sony has no intention of releasing on Xbox.
However, cross-platform releases are not completely off the table. Live service and multiplayer games that need large player bases are still being shared.
Helldivers 2 is a clear example, with Sony set to launch it on Xbox as part of a strategy aimed at maximizing reach rather than guarding exclusivity.
Is Microsoft Shifting Away from Traditional Console Competition?
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s own hardware strategy appears to be evolving away from direct console competition.
The next Xbox is rumored to resemble a PC-style gaming platform with native Steam and Epic Games Store integration.
This would move Xbox more into the PC gaming market and away from console competition.
Some former Xbox executives, like co-founder Laura Fryer, have even described this as part of a “slow exit” from the dedicated hardware business, noting that devices like the Xbox handheld being developed with ROG Ally are hints of what’s to come.
Is This the End of Direct PlayStation–Xbox Rivalry?
If this trend keeps up, the future ties between the two brands will probably be limited.
Xbox players might still get access to PlayStation’s multiplayer offerings and certain timed exclusives from third-party publishers, like Final Fantasy titles, after their initial release window.
But PlayStation’s most prestigious, single-player AAA projects will remain firmly in its own ecosystem.
For Sony, Xbox is no longer a competitor to beat — it’s simply another platform to consider when it serves their wider business goals.
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