Gears of War: Reloaded Launches Simultaneously on PS5 and Xbox

Gears of War: Reloaded is set to hit the gaming world on August 26, marking a significant shift by launching simultaneously on PS5 and Xbox. This multiplatform release is a big step for a franchise that has long been an Xbox exclusive. Let's dive into what this means for fans and what enhancements they can look forward to.

Gears of War: Reloaded Release Date Announced

Multiplatform Release

Gears of War has been synonymous with Xbox, celebrated as one of its most iconic franchises. However, in a surprising move announced via a Twitter (X) post on May 6, Xbox revealed that Gears of War: Reloaded will launch across all platforms on August 26, including the PS5.

This decision aligns with Xbox's broader strategy to make their exclusive titles available on multiple platforms. Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, shared his enthusiasm for this approach during a January interview with GamerTag Radio, stating, "We love our platform and our hardware but we're not going to put walls up where people can engage with the great games our studios are building."

This move could set a precedent for future releases like the anticipated Gears of War: E-Day, which might also see a multiplatform launch. However, Xbox has yet to confirm such plans, leaving fans eager to see if more exclusives will follow suit.

Faithful Remaster and Natively Optimized

The announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded took fans by surprise, especially since the original game was already remastered in 2015 with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. Mike Crump, Studio Head at The Coalition, shared insights via an Xbox Wire post on May 5, emphasizing the significance of this release as the franchise approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026.

Crump stated, "As we approach the 20th anniversary of Gears of War in 2026, we’re reflecting on what this franchise means. It’s about the stories we’ve told, the friendships we’ve built, and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared together. With Gears of War: Reloaded, we’re opening that door to more players than ever."

Performance-wise, Gears of War: Reloaded significantly enhances the experience over the 2015 release. While the Ultimate Edition offered 1080p at 30fps during the campaign and 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded ups the ante with 4k resolution at 60fps in the campaign and a stunning 120fps in multiplayer. Players can also expect 4k assets, remastered textures, enhanced post-processing visual effects, improved shadows and reflections, and more.

According to the Xbox Wire post, "Players will gain immediate access to all post-launch downloadable content at no additional cost — this includes the bonus Campaign act, all multiplayer maps and modes, and a full roster of classic characters and cosmetics unlockable through progression."

Moreover, owners of The Ultimate Edition prior to the announcement will receive a free upgrade to Reloaded. Eligible Xbox account holders will receive a code for the upgrade via direct message before the game's launch.

Gears of War: Reloaded is priced at $39.99 and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. It will also be accessible on day one through Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, ensuring broad accessibility for fans across different platforms.