Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox Series X|S: Release date, trailers, and everything we know
Flying high again on your living room console.
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If any game seeks to raise the bar for all video game experiences, it’sMicrosoft Flight Simulator. This incredibly ambitious title combines the power of modern gaming PCs with Microsoft’s Azure cloud technology and 2 petabytes of worldly information to create a gorgeous and realistic depiction of our planet. With it, you can fly anywhere at any time. This return to form is already proving to be an amazing accomplishment on PC, with critical and consumer acclaim backing up the game’s lofty promises.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is slated to make the jump to consoles, however, by using the power behindXbox Series XandXbox Series S. Microsoft hasn’t always been the most forthcoming about Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox, so we’ve compiled all the news, trailers, and information in one place.
Here’s everything you need to know aboutMicrosoft Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X|S.
All your gaming needs, in one subscription
Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the best value in all of gaming? It’s possible. Ultimate bundles your Xbox Live Gold subscription, an Xbox Game Pass subscription for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for on-the-go. Microsoft Flight Simulator is already included in Xbox Game Pass for PC, and will be launch into Xbox Game Pass for consoles on day one.
What is Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox Series X|S?
Microsoft Flight Simulator is already here for PC, andreleased across the globe on Aug. 18, 2020, marking the long-awaited return for Microsoft’s flight sim series. Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most ambitious games in recent history, utilizing the power of the cloud to map out the real world in real-time. This allows players to fly across environments in more detail and beauty than ever before. For such a project to come to PC is a no-brainer, but Microsoft Flight Simulator was promised to be released on Xbox down the road as well.
Microsoft Flight Simulator may play and look differently on Xbox Series X|S versus the full-fledged PC version with therecommended PC requirements, but it looks like Microsoft may be poised to deliver killer visuals without noticeable compromise on their flagship consoles, with the power and modern features of Xbox Series X|S capable of delivering better-than-ever gaming experiences. MSFS will also feature better support for controllers and new tutorials and game modes for more casual players.
If you have great internet, Xbox players will also be able toplay Microsoft Flight Simulator without its “offline mode”, saving valuable storage space.
It should be mentioned that Microsoft Flight Simulator is not a game built around a riveting story or fantasy world, and doesn’t aim to excite with intense gameplay or combat. Instead, players are encouraged to take their time, soak in the sights, and explore the vast and breathtakingly gorgeous world at their own pace. For casual players and veteran flight sim connoisseurs alike, Microsoft Flight Simulator seeks to offer a relaxing and fulfilling gaming experience. Pretty soon, Xbox players will also be able to join in the fun.
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Microsoft Flight Simulator is being developed by Asobo Studio in partnership with Xbox Game Studios.
If you want the full rundown of exactly what to expect from MSFS on Xbox, be sure to read ourfull Xbox Series X|S Microsoft Flight Simulator review, which highlights how the game’s arrival on consoles isn’t accompanied by major compromises. We’re also keeping track of all theknown bugs and issues in Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox.
When is the release date for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox?
Towards the end of 2020, we finally received further confirmation thatMicrosoft Flight Simulator was heading to Xbox consoles by Summer 2021. Unfortunately, this announcement was immediately followed by months of relative silence from Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios, with fans eagerly awaiting further information on Microsoft Flight Simulator’s planned descent onto Xbox consoles.
During theXbox and Bethesda Games ShowcaseatE3 2021, it finally happened:Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox officially releasesonXbox Series X,Xbox Series S, andXbox Game Passfor consoles on July 27, 2021. Microsoft Flight Simulator is, of course, already available on PC and Xbox Game Pass for PC.
At the moment, there’s no word on Microsoft Flight Simulator also coming toXbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud), so don’t expect that support at launch. However, Microsoft recentlyupgraded Xbox Cloud Gaming with custom Xbox Series X hardware, so Microsoft Flight Simulator could expand to even more platforms in the future! Xbox Cloud Gaming may also be how Microsoft Flight Simulator one day lands on older Xbox One consoles.
Versions & pricing
Microsoft Flight Simulator has three different editions to choose from, and those editions are entirely identical across Xbox and PC. MSFS should support Xbox Play Anywhere, so you’ll only need to purchase the game once from the Microsoft Store to own it across both platforms. Microsoft Flight Simulator is also available through Xbox Game Pass on both platforms, but you’ll only have access to the base game and not the additional content included with other editions.
The full Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace is included, even on Xbox, so you’ll be able to purchase additional content, mods, and DLC in-game from Microsoft and community creators.
The editions available to purchase for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox include:
If you’re interested in purchasing Microsoft Flight Simulator, you can find all of the links below.
The ultimate flying experience
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the premier flight simulator experience, featuring a 1:1 rendition of the globe rendered with beautiful detail. While Microsoft Flight Simulator launched exclusively on powerful gaming PCs, the best flight sim around is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass.
Where can I watch the trailers for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox?
If you want to savor every moment of hype leading up to the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator, or you’re still on the fence about whether or not to commit to Microsoft’s most ambitious title and its Xbox port, here’s all the trailers for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox in one place.
The announcement
Gameplay & release date
Xbox Series X gameplay
Xbox Series S gameplay
How will every platform be supported by Microsoft Flight Simulator?
If the rest of this article didn’t make it clear, Microsoft Flight Simulator is coming to Xbox Series X|S consoles this summer. However, Microsoft Flight Simulator is already available on PC and constantly pushes the boundaries for visuals in video games. There was also talk in the past that Microsoft Flight Simulator would eventually head to Xbox One consoles. So what exactly is going on, and how does Microsoft Flight Simulator support these platforms? We have everything you need to know right here.
Xbox Series X|S
The big news for Microsoft Flight Simulator is its intent to land on Xbox Series X|S consoles, so that’s where we’ll start. While there were initial concerns that Microsoft Flight Simulator would provide a massively compromised experience on Xbox Series X|S versus the full-fledged PC version, early views at the game have somewhat alleviated those fears. Asobo Studio looks set to make Microsoft Flight Simulator the premier option in its genre, regardless of where players intend to fly.
Here’s everything you need to know about Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox:
PC
The focus here may be Microsoft Flight Simulator’s imminent arrival on Xbox Series X|S, but you can’t talk about the game without mentioning its prodigal arrival on gaming PCs with groundbreaking visuals and a freshly high bar set for flight sims everywhere. Of course, there have been some concerns that Microsoft’s insistence on porting Microsoft Flight Simulator to Xbox consoles may negatively affect the main game on PC.
Here’s everything you need to know about Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox and how it affects PC:
Xbox One
When Microsoft Flight Simulator was initially revealed to be heading to Xbox consoles at some point in the distant future, it was confirmed at the time that Xbox One support was also in the cards. However, the game’s release date reveal and subsequent trailers, along with supporting information and announcements, has officially closed the case: Microsoft Flight Simulator isnotcoming to Xbox One consoles.
To be fair, this isn’t terribly surprising. Microsoft Flight Simulator can bring even the heftiest gaming PCs to their knees, so imagining the graphically intensive showcase running on the aging Xbox One hardware was amusing at best, difficult at worst. That’s not to say Microsoft Flight Simulator hasn’t still benefitted from the experiment, or that all hope is lost for Xbox One owners holding on to their last-gen consoles.
Microsoft Flight Simulator’s optimizations across platforms reportedly improved due to Asobo Studio’s efforts to port the game to Xbox One, as mentioned above. This means PC and Xbox Series X|S will both offer better experiences because of Xbox One, rather than being held back by the original plan.
On top of that, Microsoft Flight Simulatorcouldone day arrive on Xbox One consoles regardless. It’s highly doubtful that a native port will ever happen, but Xbox Cloud Gaming provides an interesting avenue for Microsoft to bring their flagship flight sim to their largest group of dedicated fans. With Xbox Cloud Gaming now powered by advanced Xbox Series X hardware, it’s possible that Xbox One consoles will one day be able tostreamMicrosoft Flight Simulator and other Xbox Series X|S Optimized games through the power of the cloud.
Nothing has been officially confirmed, and we don’t have any release dates or windows to share at this time. Still, we know that Microsoft is at least considering this approach, and the technology is already there to make it happen. Not only would this provide a fresh breath of life for Xbox One consoles, it would also grant Xbox One players a way to experience Microsoft Flight Simulator in all its glory.
Is Xbox Play Anywhere supported by Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox?
I’d love to be able to confirm without a shadow of a doubt that Microsoft Flight Simulator is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, meaning players have to buy it only once to own it across Xbox and PC platforms. However, we’re onlymostlysure that this is the case. Microsoft has previously committed to supporting Xbox Play Anywhere with all of their first-party published games, but they’re also notoriously terrible at communicating support for this specific feature.
A Microsoft Flight Simulator FAQ for PC preordersdidconfirm Xbox Play Anywhere support ages ago, but that FAQ has since been nuked from the internet and is no longer available. There’s also no mention of Xbox Play Anywhere support anywhere on the Microsoft Flight Simulator store page, including its generic base game landing page. Finally, Microsoft Flight Simulator is not listed amongupcoming Xbox Play Anywhere gamesfrom the Xbox website.
Still, like mentioned above, Microsoft is usually terrible at confirming this information. It’s still very likely that Microsoft Flight Simulator is an Xbox Play Anywhere title since it was confirmed ages ago and both platforms share the same base game page in the Microsoft Store. If true, this means players who purchased Microsoft Flight Simulator from the Microsoft Store will own the game on Xbox day one, with cross-save and cross-play support.
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for any official confirmation from Microsoft about this matter. If you’re looking for a way to access Microsoft Flight Simulator on both Xbox and PC, however, Microsoft Flight Simulator is already available through Xbox Game Pass for PC, and will be available day one for Xbox.
If you’re excited for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox but are worried about playing with a controller, check out some of thebest HOTAS Controllers for Xbox. Microsoft Flight Simulator will also almost certainly be a visual showcase on Xbox Series X|S, so consider one of thebest 4K TVs for Xbox Series X|Swhile you’re waiting for the game to release.
The ultimate flying experience
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the premier flight simulator experience, featuring a 1:1 rendition of the globe rendered with beautiful detail. While Microsoft Flight Simulator launched exclusively on powerful gaming PCs, the best flight sim around is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass.
All your gaming needs, in one subscription
Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the best value in all of gaming? It’s possible. Ultimate bundles your Xbox Live Gold subscription, an Xbox Game Pass subscription for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for on-the-go. Microsoft Flight Simulator is already included in Xbox Game Pass for PC, and will be for Xbox on day one.
Xbox Series X/S
Main
Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter@BoddyZachary.
