Microsoft Flight Simulator has always been a showcase for realism and scale, but it has also been one of the most PC- and Xbox-centric franchises for over four decades. That changes this year. For the first time in its history, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024) is landing on PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, marking a milestone moment for PlayStation fans who have long wanted to take to the skies.
With a December 8, 2025 release date locked in, and early access available from December 3 for premium editions, here’s what PlayStation players can expect from this landmark release.
First Time on PlayStation
Microsoft’s decision to bring Flight Simulator to PS5 is notable. The series debuted more than 40 years ago, but until now it has never graced a PlayStation console. This move follows Microsoft’s wider push to share previously exclusive titles, like Forza Horizon and Gears of War, with PlayStation players.
For PS5 owners, it means access to one of the most advanced flight simulations ever made, complete with career progression, challenges, and free-form flying across the globe.
Aircraft, Airports, and the World at Your Fingertips
The scope of MSFS 2024 is enormous. PlayStation pilots will have access to:
- Up to 125 aircraft ranging from light ultralights and helicopters to commercial airliners and military transports.
- Over 40,000 airports and 60,000 helipads, many of them hand-crafted with meticulous detail.
- Global weather and real-time traffic systems, ensuring that conditions in your virtual skies mirror those in the real world.
Whether you want to practice precision landings or simply explore the planet’s most iconic landscapes, the PS5 version includes the same breadth of content as its Xbox and PC counterparts.
Career Mode and Challenge League
Beyond sightseeing, MSFS 2024 introduces structured gameplay through its Career Mode. Players can take on roles such as:
- Aerial firefighting
- Search and rescue
- Medevac and cargo delivery
- Agricultural aviation
- Airline transport pilot progression
For competitive spirits, the Challenge League adds landing contests, rally races, and low-altitude trials, letting you test your skills against other virtual pilots.
PS5 Enhancements and DualSense Features
MSFS 2024 is tailored to leverage the PS5’s hardware and DualSense controller. Key features include:
- Adaptive triggers that adjust resistance based on runway conditions or aerodynamic forces.
- ATC communications piped through the controller’s speaker, mimicking real cockpit chatter.
- Gyro controls for subtle aircraft adjustments.
- Touchpad integration for flight instruments and menus.
- Lightbar immersion, reacting dynamically during takeoff, turbulence, and landings.
These features add a layer of tactile feedback unique to PlayStation, making the experience feel like more than just a port.
PS VR2 Support Coming in 2026
While not available at launch, a free update in 2026 will add full support for PlayStation VR2, enabling pilots to step into the cockpit in virtual reality. Considering the scale and realism of MSFS 2024, this update has the potential to transform the sim into one of the most immersive VR experiences on PlayStation.
Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
PlayStation players have four editions to choose from, each with increasing numbers of aircraft and airports:
| Edition | Price (USD) | Aircraft | Airports | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $69.99 | 70 | 150 | Includes T-38A Talon pre-order bonus |
| Deluxe | $99.99 | 80 | 155 | Early access from Dec 3 |
| Premium Deluxe | $129.99 | 95 | 160 | Adds more handcrafted airports |
| Aviator | $199.99 | 125 | 160 | Largest fleet, early access from Dec 3 |
- Pre-order bonus: Northrop T-38A Talon jet. (Buy Now)
- Physical copy: Only the Standard Edition will be available in physical format on PS5.
Accessibility and Player Options
The PS5 version includes extensive accessibility features, ensuring a wide range of players can enjoy the simulator. These include adjustable stick sensitivity, subtitles, remapping options, and even the ability to turn off haptics or motion controls.
There’s also a Practice Mode for new pilots, making MSFS 2024 approachable for beginners without sacrificing realism for veterans.
See also: PS5 Games September 2025 – Full Release Lineup & Key Details
The skies officially open to PS5 players on December 8, 2025, with early access for premium editions from December 3. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a newcomer eager to learn, this is the most expansive way yet to experience the thrill of flight on PlayStation.
