Battlefield 6 Exclusively Launches on Next-Gen Consoles and PC, Leaving Last-Gen Players Behind
2025-07-25 18:38:00The gaming community received a bittersweet announcement with the official reveal of Battlefield 6, as EA confirmed the highly anticipated shooter will only be available on current-generation consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S) and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. This strategic move means PlayStation 4 and Xbox One owners won't be able to experience the latest installment in the popular franchise.
EA unveiled Battlefield 6 on July 24 with an action-packed trailer showcasing intense combat scenarios, though it focused exclusively on single-player content. Multiplayer enthusiasts will need to wait until July 31 for their first proper look at the game's online components. Rumors suggest EA might host a three-day event from July 29-31 featuring developer interviews and creator gameplay sessions.
The exclusion of last-gen platforms became evident when EA opened wishlisting options on digital stores. Both PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store listings specifically mention PS5 and Xbox Series X/S compatibility, with no reference to their predecessors. This decision aligns with EA's strategy to leverage modern hardware capabilities without being constrained by older systems.
This development contrasts sharply with Activision's approach to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which reportedly will still support PS4 and Xbox One despite launching alongside next-gen versions. The difference in strategy has sparked debates about whether supporting older hardware ultimately limits a game's potential.
Initial reception suggests the platform exclusivity hasn't dampened enthusiasm for Battlefield 6. Its reveal trailer garnered 200,000 likes within an hour, surpassing Black Ops 7's month-long total of 140,000 likes. This strong start positions Battlefield 6 as a formidable competitor in this year's shooter lineup.