Compare Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 vs 2024 on Xbox, including performance, career mode, add-ons, storage and the best choice for you.
For a new Xbox Series X|S player, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is usually the better choice: it adds career mode, missions, newer aircraft and deeper world and flight modelling. Choose MSFS 2020 instead if you already have a settled add-on library, unreliable broadband, or prefer its more mature, less cloud-dependent setup.
MSFS 2020 vs 2024 on Xbox at a glance
MSFS 2024 offers more ways to play, while MSFS 2020 remains an excellent free-flight simulator with a mature content catalogue.
| Category | MSFS 2020 | MSFS 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Established setups, traditional free flight and weaker internet connections | New buyers, career progression, missions and newer simulation features |
| Activities | Free flight, tutorials, landing challenges, bush trips and selected activities | Free flight plus career mode, commercial work, rescue missions and other aviation jobs |
| World and physics | Mature engine with detailed streamed scenery | Updated aerodynamics, ground handling, vegetation, lighting and environmental detail |
| Storage and internet | Larger local content footprint but less dependent on constant asset streaming | Smaller core installation, with more aircraft and world data delivered on demand |
| Xbox add-ons | Large, established Marketplace catalogue | Supports much compatible 2020 content, but migration varies by product |
| Progression | No built-in career mode | Structured career, qualifications, reputation and aircraft ownership |
For a platform-independent examination of the engines and included features, see our full breakdown of the differences between MSFS 2020 and 2024.
Which version runs better on Xbox Series X and Series S?
Xbox Series X gives both simulators more graphics and memory headroom, while Series S is more likely to struggle with complex aircraft, detailed airports and dense traffic.
On Series X, MSFS 2024 is the straightforward choice for most new players. Its visual and simulation improvements are easier to appreciate, although scenery quality still depends on the internet connection and Microsoft’s streaming services.
On Series S, neither version is immune to stutters, blank avionics displays or returns to the dashboard when a demanding aircraft is combined with a large add-on airport. MSFS 2020 is more mature, but that does not automatically make every flight smoother. Our dedicated Series S comparison covers the tighter memory and performance trade-offs in more detail.
Launch-day reports also give an incomplete picture of MSFS 2024. The April 2026 Sim Update 5 build is several major updates beyond the original release, though cloud-streaming delays and performance problems at demanding locations can still occur.
Do MSFS 2020 add-ons carry over to 2024 on Xbox?
Many compatible Marketplace purchases can carry over when both simulators use the same Microsoft account, but compatibility is not guaranteed for every aircraft, airport or utility.
A developer may need to update or approve a product before it appears in the MSFS 2024 library. Some products also have separate 2024-native editions, and a package that loads successfully may not behave exactly as it did in 2020.
Xbox users cannot install PC Community-folder mods in either simulator. The available add-ons must be distributed through the simulator’s Marketplace, so keeping MSFS 2020 installed is sensible until every aircraft and airport you rely upon has been checked in 2024. Control profiles, assistance settings and other preferences should also be reviewed rather than assumed to transfer correctly.
Is MSFS 2024 a free upgrade from MSFS 2020?
MSFS 2024 is a separate title, and owning MSFS 2020 does not provide a free upgrade or automatically replace the older installation.
The two simulators can remain installed side by side if the console has sufficient storage. Subscription access may provide the base edition while that title remains in the relevant catalogue, but it is not permanent ownership. Our explanation of how upgrading from MSFS 2020 to 2024 works covers purchases, installations and compatible content.
Can Xbox One run MSFS 2020 or 2024?
Neither simulator installs natively on Xbox One; the native Xbox versions require Xbox Series X or Series S.
Xbox One owners may be able to stream a supported edition through Xbox Cloud Gaming, subject to the subscription, region and service catalogue. Cloud play adds latency and may restrict specialist flight-controller support, so an Xbox controller is the safest input option. See our guide to running Microsoft Flight Simulator through Xbox Cloud Gaming before buying peripherals.
Which Xbox problems can affect the choice?
Internet quality, limited Series S memory and add-on compatibility matter more than small graphical differences when choosing between the two versions.
- Blurry scenery or slow aircraft loading: MSFS 2024 relies more heavily on streamed assets. Use wired Ethernet where possible and stop other large downloads during a flight.
- Missing online services after Quick Resume: fully quit the simulator from the Xbox guide and restart it. Quick Resume can leave Marketplace, weather or multiplayer connections in a stale state.
- Crashes with complex add-ons: disable unused packages and avoid combining the heaviest aircraft, airport and traffic settings on Series S.
- Storage pressure: MSFS 2020 grows through locally installed world content and add-ons. MSFS 2024 starts smaller, but downloaded packages and cache data still accumulate.
- Missing purchases: confirm that both simulators use the same Microsoft account. Do not select Xbox’s
Delete everywhereoption as a casual troubleshooting step because it can remove synchronised save data.
Our Xbox recommendation
Buy MSFS 2024 if you are starting fresh, have dependable broadband and want career mode, missions and the newer simulation engine.
- New Series X owner: choose MSFS 2024 unless a specific 2020-only add-on is essential.
- New Series S owner: choose MSFS 2024 for its features, but expect tighter limits with complex airports and aircraft.
- Existing MSFS 2020 owner: stay with 2020 if it already does everything you need; move when your essential Marketplace products are confirmed compatible.
- Slow or capped internet connection: MSFS 2020 is the safer option, although both simulators depend on online data for their best scenery.