Sony’s long-running baseball franchise is swinging for the fences with MLB The Show 25, making two
get mlb 25 stubs quickly headline moves that signal a strategic shift in its lifecycle: the game will not launch on Xbox Game Pass, and, for the first time, it’s skipping last‑gen consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Scheduled for release on March 18, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, this edition marks the series’ 20th anniversary and introduces a new tact in platform strategy.
Since its debut on Xbox in 2021, The Show titles have come day-one to Xbox Game Pass—earning praise for accessibility and subscriber growth. Now, Sony has decisively reversed course. The Show 25 will require purchase instead of subscription access. Preorders begin February 4, with Digital Deluxe Edition offering early access starting March 14. The base price is expected to sit around $69.99, reflecting recent trends in AAA sports titles—all while forgoing free distribution through Game Pass.
Simultaneously, Sony is officially pulling the plug on PS4 and Xbox One support. Previous entries aimed for broad compatibility, but support for legacy hardware has begun draining development bandwidth and limiting technical progress for those on PS5 and Xbox Series. The result: this year's edition is pushing forward on new‑gen hardware only, unlocking smoother visuals, faster load times, and advanced features that take full advantage of modern architecture.
This new‑gen exclusive approach frees the developers at San Diego Studio to enhance gameplay modes like Road to the Show, Diamond Dynasty, Franchise, and Storylines. Early reveals suggest meaningful upgrades: Diamond Dynasty moves away from previous season‑locked content, Road to the Show expands to include high‑school and college progression, and Franchise delivers improved trade AI and offseason mechanics. In short, these deep game improvements can come without holding back for older hardware constraints.
For Xbox players, the decision to forego Game Pass access may sting—but Sony clearly believes the title has enough brand strength to thrive on traditional purchase formats. Analysts speculate the move is financially motivated, aiming to shift sales revenue directly to Sony while signaling confidence in the series' mass appeal. It may also align with evolving MLB licensing strategies focused on maximum monetization through direct sales, microtransactions, and cosmetic DLC.
Nintendo Switch remains in the mix—though with some observers questioning how the game will balance handheld limitations against enhanced systems like the upcoming Switch 2. However, Sony’s multi-platform strategy still values Switch presence, giving that user base another season to enjoy the franchise.
The departure from Game Pass also has ecosystem implications. Xbox Game Pass subscribers won’t see The Show 25 added this year, though older titles like The Show 24 may linger on the service into early 2026. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus will not include The Show 25 in its monthly lineup. Ultimately, fans will need to commit to the full purchase to play.
Reaction across the community has ranged from pragmatic acceptance among core fans to concern among casual subscribers. Many cite loyalty to the series and excitement for new features, but admit the $70 price tag may be a barrier. However, Sony's gamble seems confident: the franchise's niche popularity, annual revenue thresholds, and MLB backers combine to pressure for a pay-out product rather than a subscription perk.
The dual shift away from Game Pass and last‑gen hardware permanently positions MLB The Show 25 as a forward‑facing, premium next‑gen experience. With robust updates across its modes and new cover stars—featuring Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson—the 20th anniversary edition is shaping up to be a modern celebration of the sport. But for casual players, the exclusion from Game Pass may just be the price of progress.
