Minecraft Finally Arrives on PS5 After Sony’s Dev Kit Delays
Minecraft fans on PlayStation have long awaited a native PS5 version of the game. Finally, the wait is over as Minecraft is officially launching on PlayStation 5, over a year after the console’s release. The delay, however, was not without its controversies, with Xbox boss Phil Spencer revealing during the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hearings in 2023 that Sony was initially reluctant to send dev kits to Microsoft, delaying the port’s development.
A Year of Delays
During Microsoft’s legal battle over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Xbox head Phil Spencer discussed why Minecraft had yet to be ported natively to the PS5. He explained that Sony delayed providing development kits to Microsoft, despite other developers receiving them, giving them a head start. This placed Microsoft at a disadvantage when it came to developing Minecraft for Sony’s latest console.
Sony’s hesitation became a major point of discussion during the FTC hearings in mid-2023, with Spencer expressing his frustration over the issue. According to him, Sony could have provided the dev kits to Microsoft just as easily as they did for other developers, but their reluctance led to an unfortunate delay for Minecraft’s PS5 release.
What’s New in the PS5 Version?
The good news is that the new PS5 version of Minecraft comes packed with improvements. Optimized for the console’s powerful hardware, the PS5 port will run at 4K resolution with 60 frames per second (fps), ensuring smoother gameplay and better visual fidelity. Players can expect greater render distances, enhanced graphics, and overall more immersive gameplay. Whether you’re exploring the Overworld or crafting in Creative mode, the game is set to look and perform better than ever on PlayStation 5.
Current PS4 Minecraft owners can breathe easy, as the upgrade to the PS5 version will be free. While the PS4 version of Minecraft was already playable on PS5 thanks to backward compatibility, this native version is a significant step up in performance and graphics.
Sony’s Reluctance and Xbox’s Frustration
The FTC hearings revealed more than just the reason behind the Minecraft PS5 delay. They also highlighted the ongoing competition between Sony and Microsoft. Spencer openly criticized Sony for withholding dev kits from Microsoft, suggesting that this decision created an unfair advantage for other developers. The result was an unnecessary delay that kept Minecraft fans on PlayStation waiting for over a year.
While Sony’s reluctance to send the kits sparked controversy, it now appears that the two companies have reached a more cooperative phase. Other Xbox titles, such as Sea of Thieves and Grounded, have also made their way to PlayStation platforms, hinting at future collaborations between the gaming giants.
A Bright Future for PS5 and Xbox Games?
With Minecraft now arriving on PS5, it marks a new era of Xbox games reaching PlayStation consoles. This collaboration may pave the way for future multiplatform releases. Along with Minecraft, PS5 users can expect titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle in 2025, suggesting that the tension between Sony and Microsoft may be easing.
For now, PS5 owners can look forward to experiencing Minecraft in a whole new way, optimized for their console’s impressive capabilities. After years of waiting, it’s time for PlayStation users to dive back into the blocky world with stunning new visuals and smoother gameplay.