Microsoft's recent Xbox showcases have notably included PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass. This marks a shift in Microsoft's multiplatform strategy, a change absent from their June 2024 showcase. Games like Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 showcased this new inclusivity. Conversely, titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred, and Assassin's Creed Shadows initially omitted PS5 in their June 2024 announcements, despite later including it in individual trailers.

This contrasts sharply with Sony and Nintendo's approaches. Their showcases, such as the recent State of Play, focused solely on their respective platforms, even for multiplatform titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Sony maintains a consistent brand identity, highlighting its consoles as the central focus.

In an interview with XboxEra, Phil Spencer explained Microsoft's decision to include PlayStation logos: He emphasized honesty and transparency regarding platform availability. He cited logistical challenges in the June 2024 showcase as a reason for the initial omission. Spencer clarified that Microsoft aims to showcase games across all available platforms, prioritizing accessibility for players while acknowledging the differences between open and closed platforms.

He stated, "I just want to be transparent with people — for shipping on Nintendo Switch, we’re gonna put that. For shipping on PlayStation, on Steam... People should know the storefronts where they can get our games."

This signals a continued trend: expect more PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 logos in future Xbox showcases. Microsoft's June 2025 showcase may feature titles like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the next Call of Duty with PS5 branding alongside Xbox. However, it's unlikely Sony and Nintendo will reciprocate this approach.