In a move that’s been both long-anticipated, Battlefield 6 will not be coming to PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. EA and DICE are drawing a clear line in the sand: this is a next-generation experience, built entirely around the power and architecture of modern hardware.
For anyone still clutching a last-gen console, that’s a bitter pill to swallow. But from a development perspective, the decision makes sense and it speaks volumes about the direction of the franchise, and perhaps even the industry at large.
Leaving Last-Gen Behind
The writing was on the wall as soon as early access details for Battlefield 6 dropped. Battlefield Labs EA’s new platform for pre-release playtesting is exclusive to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. No mention of PS4. No word on Xbox One. And when EA quietly updated the game’s pre-order page, only current-gen platforms appeared.
The scope of Battlefield 6 128-player matches, wide-scale environmental destruction, advanced AI systems, and real-time physics simulations simply can’t be scaled down for aging consoles without compromising the vision. Even Battlefield 2042, which launched on both generations, had to split features between versions. This time, EA seems unwilling to make that sacrifice.
The Reality for Players
For players who haven’t yet upgraded, this move effectively locks them out. Battlefield 6 won’t be the kind of title that spans the console generations. If you’re still gaming on a PS4 or Xbox One, there are only two realistic options: upgrade to a current-gen console or miss out entirely.
Cloud gaming could offer a lifeline in the future. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or PlayStation’s rumored streaming platform might make it possible to play Battlefield 6 on older hardware via the internet. But as of now, no such options have been announced.
EA’s Strategic Bet
From a business standpoint, this shift aligns with industry trends. Hardware availability has stabilized, and the install base for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S is now robust enough to support exclusivity. By dropping last-gen support, EA avoids development headaches and ensures a consistent gameplay experience across all platforms.
It’s also a statement of intent: Battlefield 6 is not here to play it safe. It’s trying to redefine what a Battlefield game can be. And to do that, it needs modern tools and modern machines.
Whether this excites you or frustrates you probably depends on which side of the generational divide you fall. For some, Battlefield 6 skipping last-gen consoles is a step forward a clean break from the past. For others, it’s a harsh reminder that the hardware in their living room is becoming obsolete.
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