Is Microsoft Flight Simulator exclusive to Xbox? No—see which versions run on PC and PS5, plus the purchase, mod and VR limits that matter.
No. Microsoft Flight Simulator is not exclusive to Xbox consoles. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available on Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S, but it was never released for PlayStation.
Which platforms support Microsoft Flight Simulator?
The supported native platforms depend on which version of Microsoft Flight Simulator you want to play.
| Version | Native platforms | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PS5 Pro | No native PS4 or Xbox One version |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 | Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S | Never released on PlayStation |
The Xbox branding causes some confusion because Xbox is both a console family and Microsoft's wider gaming brand. A game can use Xbox services, accounts and publishing without being restricted to an Xbox console.
Can you play Microsoft Flight Simulator without an Xbox?
Yes. On Windows PC, Microsoft Flight Simulator can be purchased through Steam or the Microsoft Store without owning an Xbox console. Our guide to choosing between Steam and the Microsoft Store explains the practical differences in licensing and installation.
Game Pass is another way to access eligible editions on supported PC and Xbox catalogues, but it is optional rather than a requirement. Subscription tiers and catalogue availability can change, so check how Microsoft Flight Simulator access through Game Pass works before relying on it.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator available on PlayStation?
Yes, but only Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has a PlayStation release. It launched for PS5 and PS5 Pro on 8 December 2025, becoming the first Flight Simulator title released on a PlayStation console.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 remains a PC and Xbox release, and neither version has a native PS4 edition. PSVR2 support for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was announced as a free update for 2026; the standard PS5 game does not require a VR headset.
Does one purchase work on every platform?
No. Treat the storefront licence, simulator edition and add-on entitlements as separate checks. A Steam purchase does not grant a PlayStation copy, and you should not assume that aircraft, Marketplace purchases, progress or other content will transfer between unrelated platforms.
A mistake we see constantly is confusing PC Community-folder add-ons with console compatibility. PC supports manually installed freeware, while consoles depend on content distributed through approved in-simulator channels; our explanation of the restrictions on installing Microsoft Flight Simulator mods on Xbox covers that distinction.
Which platform should you choose?
Choose PC for the widest hardware support, manual add-ons and graphics tuning. Xbox Series X|S suits players who want a standardised console setup, while PS5 is an option only for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. For controls, performance, VR and add-on differences, see our detailed comparison of Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC and Xbox.