Train Sim World 6 Drops Support for Xbox One and PS4: What You Need to Know

Players of Dovetail Games’ Train Sim World 6 on Xbox One and PS4 are facing a significant shift in how they can access the franchise moving forward. The developer has confirmed that support for these last-generation consoles is coming to an end, meaning future titles and downloadable content will no longer be released on this hardware.

According to an announcement on the developer’s blog, Train Sim World titles and new add-on releases developed from this point onward will exclusively target PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms, including Steam, Xbox for PC, and Epic Games Store. This decision marks a clear pivot toward current-generation technology.

What’s Changing for Last-Gen Players?

The core change is straightforward: no new Train Sim World content will launch on Xbox One or PS4. This includes both the base game updates and all future DLC releases. The developer stated that this move is essential to give the development teams the freedom to leverage current-gen hardware capabilities.

In their official statement, the team emphasized a commitment to quality over breadth of platform support. “This change is essential for allowing the teams that create TSW content freedom to take advantage of current-gen hardware, prioritising the best performance possible, and improving the visual quality as much as they can,” the blog post explained. This suggests that maintaining parity with next-gen features on older hardware was becoming technically unfeasible without compromising the experience.

Your Existing Library Remains Safe

If you’ve already invested in Train Sim World 6 on Xbox One or PS4, the good news is that your current library is unaffected. All content you have purchased up to this point remains fully playable and supported. You can continue to enjoy the routes, liveries, and trains you’ve already acquired without interruption.

However, the door is now closed for expanding that collection on these consoles. Any new DLC released after this announcement will not be available for purchase or download on Xbox One or PS4. This effectively freezes the growth of your library on these platforms at the current state.

A close-up photograph of a PlayStation 5 controller and an Xbox Series X controller placed side by side on a wooden desk — Current-gen controllers represent the platforms TSW6 will now focus on.

Why the Shift to Current-Gen?

This move aligns with a broader industry trend where developers are increasingly prioritizing current-generation hardware to deliver more immersive experiences. The technical demands of modern simulation games, with their detailed physics and high-fidelity graphics, are pushing the limits of older hardware.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t an isolated incident. Even major franchises like Call of Duty have begun skipping last-gen consoles, with Modern Warfare 4 also launching exclusively on current hardware. The timing might feel unfortunate for those still holding onto older consoles, especially given recent price increases on new console hardware from both Xbox and Sony.

What This Means for You

For Xbox One and PS4 owners, the decision presents a choice: continue with your existing library on last-gen hardware or upgrade to access future content. If you’re content with the routes and trains you already own, there’s no immediate pressure to change anything.

However, if you’re interested in the latest DLC and want to ensure you’re getting the best possible performance and visual fidelity, upgrading to a current-gen console or PC will be necessary. The developer’s focus on performance and visual quality suggests that future releases will look and run significantly better on supported platforms.

An aerial view of a detailed model train set on a track, with a small figure of a person looking on, bathed in warm afte — Model train enthusiasts may find the shift to current-gen hardware appealing.

How to Keep Playing on Supported Hardware

If you decide to make the switch, there are several pathways to ensure your progress and purchases carry over:

Xbox Play Anywhere: Xbox One players benefit from Xbox Play Anywhere support. This allows you to move your existing content to PC via the Xbox App, retaining your purchases. However, note that content does not transfer to Steam or Epic Games Store.
Console Upgrades: Content transfers seamlessly between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, as well as from PS4 to PS5. This means your library moves with you.
Xbox Cloud Gaming: For those unable to upgrade immediately, Train Sim World 6 is supported by Xbox Cloud Gaming. This allows you to play on supported devices without needing the latest console. Unfortunately, PS4 owners don’t have this luxury, as cloud streaming on PlayStation is currently limited to PS5 owners.

While the timing may not be ideal for everyone, the shift underscores the evolving nature of game development. As simulations become more complex, focusing on current-gen hardware ensures a higher quality experience for players who can upgrade. For now, enjoy your existing Train Sim World 6 collection, and consider your upgrade options if you want to stay on the tracks with future releases.

Source: Latest from Windows Central

Over to you: Are you planning to upgrade your console to keep playing Train Sim World 6, or will you stick with your current setup?