According to IGN, legitimate Cross-Buy references have been spotted in the PlayStation Store code and graphics, verified by Dealabs as being added by Sony in June 2025. Social media user Amethxst first noticed the “crossbuy-tag” and store graphic featuring the word “Cross-Buy,” which Dealabs has confirmed are authentic. This development suggests Sony is actively considering some kind of cross-platform purchasing system, though it’s unclear whether this would apply to PC games, a potential new PlayStation handheld, or both. The timing rules out any connection to Sony’s previous Cross-Buy efforts during the PlayStation Vita era over a decade ago. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has previously criticized Sony’s staggered PC release approach that forces consumers to wait months or years then pay twice for the same content.
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Sony Playing Catch-Up
Here’s the thing – Microsoft has been doing this for years with Xbox Play Anywhere. You buy a game once, and you own it on both Xbox and PC. No extra charges, no waiting. Sony’s been the stubborn holdout, treating PC releases like second-class citizens that arrive years later and require separate purchases. Now it looks like they might finally be feeling the competitive pressure.
And let’s be honest – this is long overdue. Sony’s current strategy of releasing games like Horizon Zero Dawn on PC three years after the console version, then charging full price again? That feels increasingly outdated in 2025. Consumers expect better value, especially when Microsoft has been setting the standard for cross-platform ownership.
What Cross-Buy Could Actually Mean
But here’s where it gets interesting – we don’t actually know if this is about PC at all. There are persistent rumors about a new PlayStation handheld in development. Maybe Sony’s planning their own version of the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, and Cross-Buy would work between PS5 and this hypothetical portable device.
That would make sense from a business perspective. Keep everything within the PlayStation ecosystem rather than sharing revenue with PC storefronts. But let’s be real – the demand is clearly for proper PC integration. Gamers want to buy God of War or Spider-Man once and play it on their couch or their gaming rig without double-dipping.
The verification that these are new assets from June 2025 is the real smoking gun here. This isn’t some leftover code from the Vita days – this is active development work happening right now. Sony’s clearly building something, and given the timing, we could see an announcement relatively soon.
Competitive Landscape Shift
If Sony does implement proper Cross-Buy between PS5 and PC, it changes everything. Microsoft’s main advantage in the platform wars has been their more consumer-friendly approach to game ownership across devices. Sony matching that would level the playing field significantly.
Think about the pricing implications too. Right now, you might hesitate to buy a PlayStation exclusive at launch because you’re hoping it comes to PC later. But if Cross-Buy means your purchase works on both platforms from day one? That’s a much easier decision to make. It could actually boost PS5 hardware sales rather than cannibalizing them.
The big question remains – will Sony include third-party titles, or just their first-party exclusives? And what about those blockbuster games they’ve been holding back from PC for the first year? Would Cross-Buy apply immediately, or would PC gamers still have to wait? These are the details that will determine whether this is a genuine game-changer or just a half-measure.
Basically, Sony’s playing their cards close to their chest, but the evidence is mounting that they’re preparing to make a significant move. After years of watching Microsoft build a more flexible gaming ecosystem, it seems PlayStation might finally be ready to join the modern era of cross-platform ownership. And honestly, it’s about time.
