MLB The Show goes mobile — but this rollout has a big catch for fans

Why this actually matters to gamers

This caught my attention because Sony’s MLB The Show is a rare AAA franchise getting a phone-first build instead of a half-baked port. San Diego Studio is known for console-level polish, and a true mobile-native The Show could finally give baseball fans a portable experience that doesn’t feel like a cash-grab skin slapped on a free-to-play template. That said, the launch plan includes some business decisions that should make players pause before pouring money into the soft launch.

• Soft launch begins December 3 in the Philippines; global rollout expected in early 2026.
• Mobile is a standalone game – no cross-play with consoles, though account linking is available for some benefits.
• Purchased Stubs (in-game currency) will carry forward to the full launch; most progress and unopened packs will not.
• Minimum device requirements are strict and tablets are not supported at launch.

Breaking down the announcement – the bits that matter

Sony isn’t just shrinking the console game: this is a mobile-first build optimized for touch, shorter sessions, and flagship phone hardware. That matters because many previous “console experience on mobile” promises run into control and performance compromises. If San Diego Studio truly delivers their ShowTech animation and signature modes in a UI that works with swipes and taps, it could set a new standard for sports mobile games.

On the flip side, the way Sony is handling the soft launch is textbook cautious testing – roll out to a single region (the Philippines) to stress servers and tune economy — but it also creates a familiar trap: you can spend money now, and most of your progress will be wiped before the global launch. The one bright spot is that purchased Stubs will carry over, but unopened packs and most player progress will not; instead they’ll be converted into currency for a “Loyalty Shop.”

Why “Stubs carry forward” isn’t a free pass

Stubs carrying over is a consumer-friendly statement on its face — if you buy currency in the soft launch, you won’t lose that value. But Sony’s decision to wipe most progression and unopened packs means the soft launch will still be a limited playground. Unopened packs are often the most valuable items for collectors and Diamond Dynasty players; converting them into Loyalty Shop credits is better than nothing, but it’s a poor substitute for the actual cards you pulled.

If you’re someone who chases top cards or plans to grind Road to the Show heavily, the smart move is conservative: only buy Stubs if you intend to keep value for the full launch, and avoid buying packs you aren’t okay losing until the wipe policy is clarified.

What this means for console fans and competitive players

Two points will sting: the mobile game won’t support cross-play with console versions, and tablets aren’t supported. No cross-play means your console progress, ecosystem, and multiplayer won’t sync — this is genuinely a separate product. Competitors in Diamond Dynasty who hoped to use mobile for practice or laddering will find the environments siloed.

Also, minimum device specs skew toward flagship phones (iPhone 11 and up, certain Android flagships). That’s understandable if the team wants consistent visual fidelity and animation counts, but it excludes a lot of mid-range devices and outright rules out tablet play — a bummer for anyone who wanted a bigger-screen baseball experience on the go.

How to approach the soft launch

• Test, don’t invest: Play the soft launch as an early access beta. Buy Stubs only if you’re comfortable carrying forward currency, and avoid heavy pack purchases that will be converted.
• Give feedback: This regional launch is explicitly for tuning. Report bugs and economy issues — community feedback can shape how rewarding Diamond Dynasty and Road to the Show feel at global launch.
• Check device performance: If you have a supported flagship, test graphics settings and battery impact before committing long sessions.

Why now — and what to watch next

Mobile gaming budgets and attention have never been higher, and sports franchises are chasing players who want their hobby on commute or couch. Sony choosing to build a mobile-first Show instead of a port suggests they’re serious about longevity. What to watch: whether Diamond Dynasty’s economy becomes pay-to-win on phones, how deep Road to the Show is on touch, and whether community feedback from the Philippines leads to meaningful changes before the worldwide roll-out.

TL;DR — the short, honest take

MLB The Show Mobile looks promising as a native, polished baseball experience on phones — San Diego Studio’s pedigree gives it a real shot at being more than a shallow mobile cash shop. But treat the soft launch like a public beta: Stubs carry forward, most other progress won’t, there’s no cross-play with consoles, and tablet players are out. Don’t spend heavy money until you see the global economy and actual gameplay on a wider sample of devices.