Baldur's Gate 3 is confirmed to be releasing on Xbox Series X/S consoles before the year ends, according to Larian Studios CEO, Swen Vincke. However, it has been announced that the Series S version will not have split-screen co-op functionality. The game is already available on PC and is scheduled to launch on PS5 in early September. It has received outstanding reviews since its initial release, leading to a surge in pre-orders for the PS5 version. Previously, fans were uncertain about an Xbox release date. Some speculated that it was due to PlayStation exclusivity, but that was never the case. The delay was caused by the need to ensure that all features of Baldur's Gate 3 would work seamlessly on the Xbox Series ecosystem, particularly as the Xbox Series S was facing difficulties with the game's intensive co-op feature. Co-op is a vital aspect of the game, allowing players to engage in a Dungeons and Dragons-like experience with their friends, even if they are exploring different parts of the game world.
Xbox's Phil Spencer and Larian's Vincke recently met to discuss bringing Baldur's Gate 3 to Xbox. Vincke has confirmed that the game will be available on Xbox before the end of the year. The Xbox Series X version will have the same features and improvements as the PC version, including split-screen co-op. However, the Xbox Series S will not have split-screen co-op. While this may disappoint Series S owners wanting to play with friends on the couch, they can still enjoy online co-op. Additionally, the Series S will support cross-save progression, allowing fans to access their characters on Steam, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. This is especially beneficial for Series S users who travel with their console and use the Series X at home. Overall, although it may be seen as a compromise, it is a manageable situation for many fans.
Vincke refrained from providing a precise release date for Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox. However, considering the remaining four months, fans can anticipate this announcement in the near future. While it is improbable for the Xbox release to coincide with the PS5 version in early September, receiving confirmation for its arrival in 2023 is an improvement from the previous uncertainty. Currently, Baldur's Gate 3 is accessible on PC and will be launched for PS5 on September 6. The Xbox Series X/S versions are anticipated to be released before the year concludes.