Nioh 3 PS5 Console Exclusive Confirmed, But Xbox and Switch 2 Ports Possible

A new trailer has confirmed that Nioh 3 will launch on February 6th as a PS5 console exclusive, though Xbox and Switch 2 versions may arrive within six months of release. The souls-like action game from developer Team Ninja will debut simultaneously on PlayStation 5 and PC, with a disclaimer at the end of the trailer revealing the timed exclusivity arrangement.

PS5 and PC exclusivity confirmed The trailer, posted by Sony, showcases the PS5 version of Nioh 3 and includes a disclaimer stating the game will be "temporarily" exclusive to PlayStation consoles and PC. This suggests that while Nioh 3 won't be available on Xbox or Nintendo platforms at launch, publisher Koei Tecmo could announce ports as early as August 2026 - exactly six months after the February release date.

This timed exclusivity approach has become increasingly common in the gaming industry, particularly for third-party titles. Unlike true first-party PlayStation games that remain exclusive indefinitely, Nioh 3's arrangement allows for eventual multi-platform release while giving Sony a launch window advantage.

Franchise history suggests PC arrival was likely Looking at the franchise's trajectory provides context for this arrangement. Sony Interactive Entertainment published Nioh and Nioh 2 outside of Japan, with both games launching on PS4 and PS5 respectively before receiving PC versions less than a year later. However, with Nioh 3, Koei Tecmo has secured global publishing rights, making this their first opportunity to control the release strategy across all platforms.

The PC version's day-one availability isn't surprising given Sony's recent strategy. The company has successfully ported several PlayStation exclusives to PC, including Helldivers 2 and Stellar Blade, recognizing the growing market for high-quality PC gaming experiences. By contrast, some first-party titles like Ghost of Yotei and Death Stranding 2 still lack confirmed PC release dates.

Xbox players may need to wait Xbox console owners might feel particularly disappointed by this news, considering Team Ninja's strong presence on Microsoft's platforms. The developer recently released Ninja Gaiden 4, which Xbox Game Studios promoted as a major Game Pass addition. However, with declining Xbox hardware adoption rates, critics question whether Nioh 3 would have sold sufficiently on the platform to justify a simultaneous release.

Team Ninja has historically maintained good relationships with multiple platform holders, having developed games for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems throughout their history. The possibility of an Xbox version arriving in August 2026 provides hope for fans of the franchise on Microsoft's consoles.

Switch 2 potential exists While the souls-like series has never appeared on Nintendo systems, the growing third-party support for the Switch 2 makes a port feasible. Koei Tecmo has already brought combat-oriented titles like Dynasty Warriors: Origins to Nintendo's new console, demonstrating their willingness to support the platform.

The 2021 release of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection on Switch proves Team Ninja's games can run on Nintendo hardware, though the more demanding Nioh series would likely require the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. Given the timing - six months after PS5 and PC launch - a Switch 2 version could coincide with the potential Xbox port.

Demo available now Players eager to experience Nioh 3 can try the Steam and PS5 exclusive demo before the game's February 6th release. Early impressions suggest the game offers a more open-world experience compared to its predecessors, with players able to choose between Samurai and Ninja combat styles. While some feedback has been mixed, the demo provides a substantial preview of what to expect from the full release.

The timed exclusivity arrangement represents a middle ground that satisfies Sony's desire for platform-exclusive content while acknowledging the multi-platform nature of modern gaming. For Nioh fans across all platforms, the six-month wait for potential ports may be worthwhile for what appears to be a significant evolution of the series' formula.