PUBG: Battlegrounds Transitioning to Current-Gen Consoles, Ending Last-Gen Support

08/13/2025

The popular battle royale title, PUBG: Battlegrounds, is embarking on a significant transition, discontinuing its support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms. This strategic shift, announced by the development team, marks a decisive move towards optimizing the game for current-generation consoles, specifically PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The console versions of the game will officially transition to the newer platforms in November, a move designed to elevate the player experience.

This evolution underscores the developers' commitment to leveraging advanced hardware capabilities. By concentrating resources on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, PUBG: Battlegrounds aims to deliver substantial improvements in visual fidelity, frame rate stability, and overall game performance. This forward-looking approach ensures that players will encounter a more robust and immersive gameplay environment, laying the groundwork for future updates and sustained growth within the competitive gaming landscape.

Embracing the Next Generation: A Strategic Shift

The decision to cease support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of PUBG: Battlegrounds by November 13 is a pivotal moment for the game. This transition comes approximately seven years after the initial release of the game on these last-generation consoles. The move, while potentially impactful for existing last-gen players, is a necessary step towards aligning PUBG Console with current-generation hardware capabilities. This strategic pivot is driven by the imperative to provide a more stable gameplay environment and ensure a smoother, more seamless experience with future content updates and enhancements. Players on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S can anticipate significant upgrades, including enhanced visual quality, more consistent frame rates, and a reduction in recurring crash issues, ultimately leading to a more refined and enjoyable gaming experience.

The developers have emphasized that this was not a decision made lightly, acknowledging the long-standing dedication of players on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The studio conveyed that this choice was the result of extensive and careful consideration, made in pursuit of the continued growth and long-term viability of PUBG Console. The goal is to deliver a stable 60 frames per second experience across all current-gen platforms, with the Xbox Series S version specifically offering both Resolution Mode and Performance Mode options to cater to diverse player preferences. For players unable to make the transition, refunds for Battlegrounds Plus and the game itself will be handled in accordance with each platform's established refund policies and procedures, ensuring a fair resolution for those affected by this shift, especially considering the game became free-to-play in 2022.

Enhancing the Battlefield: Performance and Player Experience

The transition of PUBG: Battlegrounds to current-generation consoles is primarily aimed at enhancing the overall battlefield experience for players. By focusing development efforts on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the developers are poised to unlock the full potential of the game's engine. This includes substantial improvements in graphical fidelity, allowing for more detailed environments and realistic character models. Furthermore, the increased processing power of these newer consoles will enable more stable and higher frame rates, crucial for a fast-paced battle royale game where every millisecond counts. The objective is to mitigate common performance issues experienced on older hardware, such as frame drops and graphical glitches, thereby providing a more consistent and fluid gameplay experience that truly reflects the competitive nature of PUBG.

Beyond visual and performance enhancements, this shift is also a commitment to long-term stability and future innovation. By concentrating on a unified, more powerful hardware ecosystem, the development team can streamline updates and introduce new features more efficiently, ensuring that PUBG: Battlegrounds remains at the forefront of the battle royale genre. The reduction in ongoing crash issues is a critical component of this transition, directly addressing player frustrations and contributing to a more reliable gaming session. This move not only benefits current players who transition but also lays a robust foundation for attracting new players seeking a high-quality, stable, and visually impressive battle royale experience on the latest console hardware. Ultimately, this strategic decision aims to foster a more engaging and enduring future for the game and its global community of players.