Honestly, this one made me look twice: Hellblade 2, a game that was basically the flagship for Xbox Series X’s power last year, is now officially headed to PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro. Microsoft’s first-party strategy is shifting fast, and this move says a lot about the current gaming landscape-especially if you’re a longtime PlayStation or Xbox fan who remembers when “console exclusive” meant something. But here’s the kicker: the PS5 version gets new DualSense features, and everyone (even Xbox and PC players) will get those upgrades in a free patch. Microsoft’s new multiplatform play just got a lot more interesting.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Microsoft / Ninja Theory |
| Release Date | Summer 2025 (PS5, PS5 Pro) |
| Genres | Action-Adventure, Narrative, Psychological Horror |
| Platforms | PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
This isn’t just another port. Microsoft put its first-party badge on Hellblade 2 to show off what next-gen hardware could do—now it’s pushing optimized versions onto PlayStation, even incorporating full DualSense support. That extra rumble and adaptive trigger feedback might not sound huge in a press release, but as someone who’s played games like Returnal or Astro’s Playroom, I know how much Sony’s controller tech can elevate psychological horror and immersion. I’m genuinely curious to see how Ninja Theory will leverage these features beyond the usual “you can feel the rain” trope.
What’s also worth noting: those “additional features” aren’t just for PlayStation players. A free patch will hit Xbox and PC at the same time, so nobody’s left out. Microsoft’s clearly avoiding the usual backlash over timed exclusives or feature lockouts. It’s a smart move—especially after the mixed reception to their multiplatform rollout earlier this year. Honestly, if you already bought Hellblade 2 on Xbox or Steam, getting the same upgrades as PS5 players is the least they could do.
There’s another curveball here: physical editions, courtesy of Limited Run Games. That’s a big deal for collectors and preservation nerds (myself included). Limited Run previously handled boxed versions of Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment for Microsoft, so this isn’t coming out of nowhere. Still, seeing a first-party “prestige” title like Hellblade 2 get the boutique physical treatment—on PS5, Xbox, and even Switch (for the first game)—is a further sign that Microsoft is going all-in on multi-platform goodwill. The days of “Xbox exclusive” as a hard line are basically over.
But let’s get real: Hellblade 2’s reception was mixed. Critics loved its audio-visual fidelity (Metacritic 81%) but called out the shallow gameplay loop—basic puzzles, straightforward combat, and a short 7-hour runtime, just like the original. If you’re in it for the emotional storytelling, that might not matter, but for action-adventure fans wanting something meatier, the “cinematic experience” label feels more accurate than ever. I’m hoping the new features aren’t just controller gimmicks, but actual gameplay tweaks or expansions that answer some of the community’s feedback.
So what’s the bigger takeaway? Microsoft is no longer pretending its best stuff is forever locked to Xbox. With Game Pass growth stalling and hardware sales lagging behind PlayStation worldwide, they’re pivoting to a “games everywhere” model. Hellblade 2 on PS5 is less about fan service and more about keeping big-budget single-player games financially viable. If you’re a PlayStation fan, you win—another AAA story-driven adventure is headed your way, and it’s not a watered-down port. If you’re on Xbox or PC, you get free upgrades and proof that your investment in the ecosystem isn’t being abandoned (yet).
For the gaming community, it’s a sign that the era of walled gardens is breaking down—at least for narrative-driven prestige projects. I’m excited to see Microsoft and Sony compete on features and polish, not just “who gets it first.” But I’m also wary: will true exclusives become the exception, and will this strategy push more games to focus on profitability over innovation? Only time—and player reactions—will tell.
Hellblade 2 is coming to PS5 and PS5 Pro with new DualSense support and extra features—Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy shift is now unmistakable. Physical editions are on the way. If you care about narrative-driven games and top-tier tech, this is great news—just keep expectations in check if you wanted more gameplay depth. The console war lines are more blurred than ever, and for once, gamers on all sides are winning.
Source: Microsoft / Ninja Theory via GamesPress