Gears of War: Reloaded is set to make its debut on Sony consoles with a physical release for PlayStation 5, which is a notable departure from its absence on Xbox Series X/S versions. Scheduled for launch on August 26 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, this newly remastered edition revitalizes the first installment of the acclaimed third-person shooter series. This marks the series’ second remaster, the first being 2015’s Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. This shift signifies yet another former Xbox-exclusive franchise making its way to PlayStation, as evidenced by Forza Horizon 5 racing onto Sony consoles on April 28.
The introduction of Gears of War: Reloaded on PlayStation confirms part of a rumor that circulated earlier this year regarding the potential arrival of both Halo and Gears of War on PS5. However, it remains uncertain if characters like Master Chief and Cortana will follow after almost 14 years of Xbox exclusivity, despite Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer stating that all first-party franchises are possible candidates for expansion. Interestingly, Gears of War: Reloaded will miss its PlayStation 5 release in specific regions, adding to the confusion. According to reports, pre-orders for the physical edition are exclusively available for the PS5, with both physical and digital pre-orders priced at $39.99.
Notably, players who opt for the digital version will gain access to an exclusive multiplayer beta scheduled for June 13 to 15, along with two character skins based on key figures from the game’s narrative. In addition, Xbox is rewarding dedicated fans who own the digital version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition with free codes for the new release. Residents with Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass PC memberships will also enjoy pre-order benefits, such as the multiplayer beta and access to special skins. While it’s uncertain if an Xbox physical release will happen, Gears of War: Reloaded is set to be an essential play for both new and returning players.
With enhanced graphics, including 4K resolution and 60 FPS for single player, as well as all post-launch content, it’s an exciting time to dive into this iconic action shooter.