Battlefield 6 Skipping PS4 & Xbox One, DICE Embraces "Next-Gen Only" for the Franchise

The Battlefield franchise has stood the test of time as one of the premier, household names in the world of team-based first-person shooters. The series debuted in 2002 with Battlefield 1942. Since then, the series has consistently pushed the limits for AAA gaming, introducing immersive warfare gameplay, making it a beloved title amongst fans.

With its newest installment, EA DICE's Battlefield 6 is geared to set the gaming world alight, being innovative and setting trends like it's known to do. This time around, it's no different since speculations surrounding the game suggest last-gen consoles will finally be excluded.

With Battlefield 6 officially unveiled, it appears that EA is preparing to kickstart a new era. According to recent reports following the game's cinematic reveal, Battlefield 6 is rumored not to be launching on last-gen platforms like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One—a significant shift in strategy that could hint at rivalling studios following suit; signaling EA's ambition to finally leave behind outdated hardware and focus exclusively on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Although no gameplay has been shown yet, excitement is imminent. EA pulled back the curtain on the new installment just yesterday with a slick cinematic trailer. While it didn't include a gameplay demonstration, fans won't have to wait long—EA confirmed that the multiplayer reveal is set for July 31. However, amidst the hype and speculation about what innovations the game might bring, what's amassing a lot of attention is what it won't bring: PS4 support.

EA hasn't officially confirmed this potential decision as of yet. As of now, Battlefield 6's PlayStation Store page remains vague and doesn't list any specific platforms. But several reports strongly suggest that the game will allegedly skip both PS4 and Xbox One. If that's true, it marks a major turning point for the Battlefield franchise, and indeed for AAA gaming as a whole. For over a decade, cross-gen development has been the norm—especially during the early years of new console cycles. By mid-2025, public opinion is that the time for cross-gen releases should be over.

The community's response to the rumors echoes the sentiment. While many PS4 owners who are yet to upgrade are understandably disappointed by the possibility of being left behind, many PS5 players are welcoming the long-awaited change with open arms. The consensus is that holding onto last-gen platforms for too long hampers progress since it lowers the ceiling for optimization in accordance with the new-gen hardware. Modern games are becoming increasingly ambitious, and the aging PS4, despite its longevity, is now seen as a liability. 

Interestingly, this move comes shortly after news that Madden NFL 26, another major EA franchise, will not be coming to PS4. It's the first time a Madden game has skipped the console since its launch, and it could be seen as further evidence that EA is finally ready to move forward, completely indicating shifting tides in the gaming world. If Madden 26 is considered a safe enough bet to exclude cross-gen, Battlefield 6, with its emphasis on real-time destruction, cutting-edge graphics, and vast maps, seems an even more obvious candidate.

That said, it's worth noting that some major franchises are still reluctant to move on with the times, for example, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is still reportedly set to release on PS4 later this year. Activision isn't quite ready to call it quits on cross-gen just yet. This presents an interesting dilemma for fans and may influence consumer preference. 

Ultimately, if Battlefield 6 does skip PS4 and Xbox One, which does seem imminent, it will indicate that major players in the industry are going to build for the future, highlighting that the industry is finally turning over a new leaf. EA is dropping the ace up their sleeve with this title, especially after the mixed reception to Battlefield 2042; this could be the fresh start the series desperately needs.

As we await the upcoming multiplayer reveal, one thing is becoming crystal clear: Battlefield 6 isn't just another sequel. It may well be the beginning of a new chapter, one that would oversee the beginning of the end for cross-gen incorporation.