Can you play games across platforms?
Yes, if the game supports crossplay. Many popular games, such as Fortnite, Minecraft, Call of Duty, Rocket League, Apex Legends and EA Sports FC, let players on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch play together. Crossplay is set by each game, not by the console, so check the game's settings or store page.
How crossplay works
The game's servers handle matchmaking for all platforms, and players connect through a shared account, such as an Epic, Activision, EA or Microsoft account. In most games you can turn crossplay on or off in the settings; on consoles, there may also be a system privacy setting that allows or blocks crossplay.
Crossplay vs. cross-progression vs. cross-buy
- Crossplay: players on different platforms join the same matches.
- Cross-progression: your level, unlocks and items follow you to another platform.
- Cross-buy: buying a game once gives you a version on another platform. Xbox Play Anywhere titles work this way between Xbox and Windows PCs.
Playing games from one platform on another
- PlayStation games on PC: many Sony first-party games have been released separately on PC, and you can stream PS5 games to a PC with Remote Play.
- Xbox games on PC: Xbox Play Anywhere titles and many PC Game Pass games run on Windows.
- Steam games on Xbox or PlayStation: not possible; Steam libraries don't transfer to consoles, though Steam Deck and other PC handhelds can play them.
- PC games on PS5: no, unless the same game is also released for PS5.
Why not every game has crossplay
Developers must handle different input devices (mouse vs. controller), balance, platform rules, separate patch schedules, cheating on PC and the cost of building shared servers and accounts. Some competitive games keep platforms separate or let console players opt out of PC lobbies.
Backward compatibility vs. cross-play
These are different things. PS5 runs most PS4 games but not PS3 discs; PS3 games are only available via PlayStation Plus Premium streaming. Xbox Series X|S runs many Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games from its backward compatibility list.
FAQ
Can Nintendo Switch and Xbox players play together?
Yes, in games that support crossplay on both, such as Fortnite, Minecraft and Rocket League.
How do I turn on crossplay on Xbox?
Check that your Xbox privacy settings allow joining cross-network play, then enable crossplay in the game's own settings.
What is cross-platform play?
It's when people on different consoles or PCs can join the same online matches.
Is crossplay expensive for developers?
It adds work for servers, account systems, testing and certification, but for big online games it usually pays off by keeping matchmaking healthy.
Does crossplay mean my progress transfers?
Not always. That's called cross-progression, and it depends on the game.
Can all Xbox consoles play together?
Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S can play together in the same game. Xbox 360 online play is separate.