Sony is developing a cross-buy feature for PlayStation 5 and PC, according to code and graphics discovered on the PlayStation Store. The feature would allow players to purchase a game once and play it across both platforms without additional cost, similar to Microsoft’s Xbox Play Anywhere program.[1][2][3]
Status: Datamining discovered on November 4-5, 2025. Sony has not officially confirmed this feature.
How This Discovery Affects PlayStation Gamers
A cross-buy system would change how players access first-party titles across devices. Instead of purchasing Horizon Zero Dawn separately for PS5 and PC, and waiting years between launches, players could buy once and own both versions immediately. This addresses longstanding criticism of Sony’s staggered PC release strategy, where major exclusives reach PC one to four years after console launch.[4][5][1]
Consumer Benefits of Cross-Buy Implementation
Cross-buy would provide multiple advantages for PlayStation gamers:
- Single purchase grants access on both PS5 and PC platforms simultaneously
- No duplicate payments required for the same game across devices
- Potential save file synchronization and progress tracking across platforms
- Faster availability of multiplatform titles without waiting periods
Discovery Verification and Credibility Chain
User Amethxst identified “Cross-Buy” and “PS5/PC games” graphics embedded in PlayStation Store code on November 4, 2025. Dealabs independently confirmed both the graphics and underlying code were authentic Sony additions, verified as added in June 2025. Multiple credible gaming publications including IGN, TechRadar, Push Square, and GameSpot reported the discovery on November 4-5, 2025. Sony has not commented on or confirmed the feature.[2][6][7][8][1]
Cross-Buy Through Xbox Play Anywhere
Microsoft’s Xbox Play Anywhere established the cross-buy model that Sony appears to be emulating:
| Feature | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Single Purchase | Buy once for Xbox console or Windows PC |
| Dual Access | Play on both platforms without repurchasing |
| Cloud Progression | Achievements and saves sync automatically |
| Digital Ownership | Single license covers both platforms |
If Sony implements a similar system, purchasing God of War would grant immediate access on both PS5 and PC.[3][9]
Alternative Theory: PlayStation Handheld Device
Gaming analysts propose the cross-buy feature may target a PlayStation handheld instead of PC. Sony is reportedly developing a handheld PlayStation console targeting 2027 launch. Mashable reported in August 2025 that leaked specs suggest a $400-500 handheld with touchscreen and haptic feedback. Vice reported November 5, 2025 that Sony may prepare cross-buy alongside the handheld launch. Supporting evidence includes Sony’s October 2025 “Power Saver” mode, reducing memory usage by 70% to support lower-powered devices.[10][11][12][13][14]
Both interpretations “PC cross-buy or handheld cross-buy” remain plausible based on available evidence.[11][13]
Sony’s PC Gaming Strategy Timeline
Sony’s approach to PC gaming has evolved significantly since 2020:[15]
- February 28, 2017: Horizon Zero Dawn launches on PlayStation 4 exclusively
- August 7, 2020: Horizon Zero Dawn arrives on Windows PC (3+ year gap)
- 2021-2025: God of War, Ghost of Tsushima launch on PC with staggered release windows
- Consistent pattern: Major PlayStation exclusives reach PC one to four years after console launch
Historical Precedent: PlayStation Vita Cross-Buy
Sony successfully implemented cross-buy during the PS Vita era (2011-2017). Cross-buy enabled players to purchase games and access them on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita without additional payment. Notable titles with cross-buy included Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time and The Binding of Isaac. This historical precedent demonstrates Sony’s experience with cross-buy infrastructure across different form factors.[16][17][18]
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What Remains Officially Unconfirmed
Sony has issued no official statement. Current unknowns include: exact launch date, retroactive application to existing libraries, PlayStation Plus integration, regional availability, and whether a separate PC launcher will be required.[8][1][2]
