Hi-Fi Rush, one of the biggest surprises last year, might soon make its way to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Originally released by Tango Gameworks as an Xbox exclusive, Hi-Fi Rush was unveiled and released during an Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct stream at the start of 2023.
While not a particularly genre-defining outing, Hi-Fi Rush was a mid-budget title that went on to win accolades by year’s end, proving that there’s still space for small-scale titles from an established studio in this day and age. Now, it appears that Hi-Fi Rush might be headed to other platforms alongside an upcoming update.
Hi-Fi Rush Anniversary Update t-shirt texture (platform exclusive designs) datamine seem to suggest that PlayStation/Switch port is happening
I'm Here Baby – PlayStation
Rock Out Anywhere – Switchhttps://t.co/jwaolt1dkFhttps://t.co/lkvpkOTA7a pic.twitter.com/WjjRwIWtCw— Wario64 (@Wario64) February 1, 2024
Data miners have recently uncovered compelling evidence within the game’s files that hints at the potential expansion of Hi-Fi Rush to additional consoles. Among the findings are t-shirt designs with color schemes that match those of Nintendo and PlayStation, fueling the speculation about the game’s forthcoming availability on these platforms.
One t-shirt, which features a red and white design that bears the slogan “Rock Out! Anywhere,” alluding to the Switch’s portability. Another shirt, in PlayStation’s iconic blue and white, proclaims “I’m Here Baby!” – a message that could signify the game’s unexpected arrival on Sony’s console. The Verge’s Tom Warren later confirmed the legitimacy of the datamined information.
The discovery of these t-shirt designs follows previous rumors and insider claims suggesting that Microsoft was planning to bring a critically acclaimed first-party title to a competitor’s system this year.
Hi-Fi Rush with its vibrant art style, engaging gameplay, and positive reception, fits the bill as a prime candidate for such a move. If anything, you’d mistake it for a Nintendo or PlayStation title first before thinking that it’s an Xbox exclusive.
Furthermore, the addition of DualSense support on the PC version of Hi-Fi Rush is adding a hefty amount of weight to the rumors of a PS5 port, while various ratings hinted at a broader release across different platforms.
Microsoft has previously demonstrated a willingness to share a selection of exclusives with other platforms, as seen with Ori And The Blind Forest and its sequel’s release on the Switch. These precedents, coupled with executive statements hinting at a “change of strategy” that no longer views PlayStation and Nintendo as competitors, suggest that the gaming landscape is evolving toward more cross-platform collaborations.
The potential release of Hi-Fi Rush on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch is not only exciting news for fans of the game but also raises important questions about the future of console exclusivity and the benefits of making games accessible to a wider audience. As gamers eagerly await official confirmation from Tango Gameworks and Microsoft, the previews what could be a significant step toward a more inclusive gaming world.
While official announcements have yet to be made, the evidence presented by data miners and corroborated by industry insiders points to a near-certain expansion of Hi-Fi Rush beyond its original PC and Xbox confines.
When that happens, the better question will be, what’s next for Hi-Fi Rush?
