Nintendo and Xbox Tease PlayStation with Cross-Platform Potential

A brewing partnership between Nintendo and Xbox hints at a possible collaboration strategy to entice PlayStation into the mix.
Nintendo and Xbox Tease PlayStation with Cross-Platform Potential

Highlights

  • Xbox and Nintendo are fostering a promising alliance, with Xbox titles venturing onto the Nintendo Switch platform.
  • PlayStation remains cautious about teaming up, keeping its exclusive first-party games, potentially missing out on lucrative opportunities.
  • This emerging era of cooperation could pave the way for increased cross-platform prospects among the top three video game console giants.

The realm of video games has always been marked by intense rivalries. From the early days when Nintendo clashed with Sega, to the emergence of PlayStation as a major player in 1994 after Sega's exit, and the subsequent rise of Xbox, competition has been fierce.

Over the past two decades, the video game landscape has been largely shaped by these three industry behemoths. Now, Xbox is making moves to break away from this traditional mold. Recent developments suggest a potential alliance with Nintendo, which could ideally pave the way for PlayStation to join forces as well.

Nintendo and Xbox's Push to Bring PlayStation on Board

Nintendo's Latest Direct Confirms Collaboration with Xbox

The notion of Xbox and Nintendo teaming up has been circulating for some time. The initial hints of this partnership surfaced in June 2019 with the announcement of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's Banjo-Kazooie DLC.

Xbox has since expressed its readiness to port its first-party games to the Nintendo Switch, fueling speculation about collaborations. While rumors of Xbox Game Pass coming to Switch have not materialized, Nintendo's recent Direct revealed that two Xbox first-party titles, Pentiment and Grounded, are en route to the platform.

Furthermore, the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase unveiled that several classic Rare games are now part of Nintendo Switch Online. This move signifies a budding partnership between Xbox and Nintendo, potentially opening doors for select Nintendo games on Xbox in the future. While flagship titles like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon may not make the crossover, other lesser-known Nintendo IPs could find their way to Xbox in the coming years.

PlayStation's Opportunity to Embrace Collaboration with Nintendo and Xbox

Despite the brewing partnership between Nintendo and Xbox, PlayStation appears reluctant to join the fray at present. While Xbox has taken the initial step by introducing Sea of Thieves, Grounded, Pentiment, and Hi-Fi Rush to PlayStation, there seems to be no reciprocity in sight.

It's understandable that PlayStation aims to retain exclusivity over its top first-party titles, yet the success of Helldivers 2 on PC highlights the potential for multiplatform success. A collaborative effort with Nintendo and Xbox could prove advantageous for all involved, including the gaming community.