Major Shift in Gaming Industry: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Takes Off on PS5 This December, PS VR2 Support Confirmed

In a move that underscores the changing landscape of the gaming industry, Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be launching on the PlayStation 5 this winter. The title, a flagship simulation franchise long associated with the Xbox and PC ecosystem, is set for a December 8, 2025, release on Sony’s console, a significant expansion of its user base that directly targets the lucrative PS5 market.

The announcement, made during a recent PlayStation State of Play event, has not only confirmed the release date but has also delighted virtual pilots with the news of dedicated PS VR2 support, scheduled to arrive via a free update in 2026. This move by Microsoft to embrace the PlayStation VR2 platform is a crucial development, as it means the highly demanding flight simulator will offer one of the most immersive experiences available on any console.

A Soaring Launch: Date and Exclusive PS5 Enhancements

The core release of the simulator is set for December, with an early access period beginning on December 3 for those who pre-order the Deluxe, Premium Deluxe, or Aviator Editions. The full launch on December 8, 2025, ensures the title will be a major fixture in the holiday shopping season.

To ensure a premier experience on the PS5, developer Asobo Studio and Microsoft Game Studios have leveraged the unique features of the DualSense wireless controller, a key selling point and SEO keyword for the PlayStation platform:

• Adaptive Triggers: These will provide a greater level of realism, mimicking the resistance and feel of different speeds, air resistance, and ground surface types.
• Controller Speaker Integration: Communications from air traffic control (ATC) will play through the controller’s built-in speaker, creating a more realistic cockpit environment.
• Motion Controls: Gyro controls will further enhance the immersion, offering precise input options during flight.

The Ultimate VR Experience: PS VR2 Support in 2026

Perhaps the most electrifying part of the announcement for the simulation gaming community is the commitment to developing full PS VR2 support. This free update is expected in 2026, although a more precise date has not been specified.

• Unmatched Immersion: The game’s highly detailed “digital twin of the world” is a natural fit for virtual reality, offering a breathtaking level of presence that is crucial for a realistic flight experience.
• Technical Achievement: Bringing such a graphically intensive and vast game to the PS VR2 is a major technical undertaking, signaling a strong investment in the future of console VR.
• Competitive Edge: This feature positions the PS5 version with a compelling advantage in the console market, offering a complete, top-tier simulation experience including virtual reality.

New Careers, Vast World, and Continued Support

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PS5 will arrive with all the features introduced in the latest iteration, including the new career system and the largest aircraft fleet in the franchise’s history. The game allows virtual pilots to pursue dynamically generated missions, including:

• Firefighting and Search & Rescue
• Aerial Construction and Agriculture
• Challenging Rally Races and Precision Landings

The simulator will continue to be supported with free World Updates and Sim Updates, ensuring the global environment and aircraft are continually refined and expanded, appealing to the dedicated and growing base of flight simulation enthusiasts. The availability of the game on a third major platform—alongside PC and Xbox—is a strategic move by Microsoft that maximizes the revenue potential of the title and expands its influence across the competitive video game landscape.