MLB The Show 25 is shaking things up this year by not being part of the Game Pass lineup on launch day, breaking a pattern that Xbox users have come to rely on since 2021. This unexpected move has left many fans feeling let down, as they had grown accustomed to accessing each new release through their subscription right from the start.
When MLB The Show first landed on Game Pass with the 2021 version, it was a pleasant shock to the gaming community. The partnership between Sony and Xbox was seen as a promising sign that perhaps more PlayStation exclusives might find their way to Microsoft’s platform. Fans were hopeful, seeing this as “one of the reasons Game Pass is worth it.” Yet, the recent announcement celebrating MLB The Show’s 20th anniversary has put a damper on that optimism for now, especially for those who love baseball games.
In a blog post dated January 28, Sony revealed the cover athletes and the official release date for MLB The Show 25. However, there was a bittersweet twist: not only is the game skipping past older consoles, but it also won’t be available on Xbox Game Pass come 2025. While the door isn’t entirely closed on the game possibly joining the service later, for now, fans have to face the reality that one of the leading baseball game franchises is taking a step back from Game Pass’s first-day offerings. Scheduled to launch on March 18, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch, the game will likely stick to its standard pricing model of $70 for the basic edition across platforms, with special MVP and Deluxe versions priced between $85 and $100.
Xbox aficionados are certainly vocal about their disappointment on various subreddits. A thread on the subject is filled with remarks from fans, including one who quipped about grabbing a cheap copy of MLB The Show 24 and sticking with it for several more years. There’s even some lighthearted sarcasm about the game not including the controversial Sets and Seasons, which some have joked should compensate for the letdown of this year’s release strategy.
Strategically, Sony and San Diego Studio’s decision to omit MLB The Show 25 from Game Pass could be financially motivated. Historically, the franchise has consistently been among the top-selling games in the U.S., despite having a presence on Game Pass. By limiting initial access, it might be a calculated move to drive up sales. Considering MLB The Show 24 was a top-selling title on Xbox the previous year, it’s reasonable to predict that some subscribers will now opt to purchase the game to enjoy the new content advancements.
Created for true baseball enthusiasts, MLB The Show 25 invites fans to embark on a personal baseball journey, from the high school fields to the iconic Hall of Fame, with new and innovative ways to play that link you up with legends of the sport. As always, this addition to the series is finely tuned with gameplay and quality-of-life improvements crafted to make sure players jump into the action without delay. Whether you’re playing on your favorite console or dream of controlling a franchise, it’s a testament to why MLB The Show has loyal followers year after year.
