If you’re still holding on to your Xbox One or PlayStation 4, you might be wondering: Can you play Marvel Rivals on Xbox One and PS4? Unfortunately, the short answer is no. But before you get too disappointed, let’s dive deeper into why this decision was made, what your options are, and whether there’s any hope for last-gen players in the future.
Can You Play Marvel Rivals on Xbox One and PS4
Let’s address the question right away—Marvel Rivals is not available on Xbox One or PS4. The game has been officially announced only for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. So, if you’re still gaming on last-gen consoles, you’re out of luck for now. I know, it stings. As someone who’s enjoyed countless hours on PS4, I get the frustration.
Is Marvel Rivals Available on Xbox One?
No, Marvel Rivals is not coming to Xbox One. The developers have clearly stated that the game is built for modern hardware, leaving older consoles behind. It’s a decision rooted in technical requirements and a push towards next-gen experiences.
Why Marvel Rivals Isn’t Coming to Xbox One
The Xbox One, launched in 2013, is now over a decade old. Marvel Rivals demands advanced graphics processing and supports dynamic, destructible environments—features that simply exceed the capabilities of last-gen systems. Developers want to ensure players get a smooth, visually impressive experience, and unfortunately, Xbox One can’t keep up with those demands.
Can Marvel Rivals Run on Xbox One?
Technically? Maybe. If you consider that games like Marvel Rivals can run on devices like the Steam Deck, it’s plausible that a scaled-down version could work. But developers have to draw the line somewhere, and in this case, they’ve chosen to focus solely on current-gen platforms.
Is There a Chance for Xbox One Support in the Future?
While unlikely, it’s not entirely impossible. Some games have found life on older consoles through Cloud Gaming solutions. If Microsoft decides to offer Marvel Rivals via Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox One owners could stream the game. But as of today, there’s no official word pointing in that direction.
What About PlayStation 4?
The story is the same for PS4 players. Marvel Rivals skips Sony’s last-gen console entirely, focusing on PS5 instead. The reasoning mirrors that of Xbox One: hardware limitations and a desire to optimize for next-gen performance.
Why Marvel Rivals Skipped PS4
The PS4, while still beloved by many, simply doesn’t offer the horsepower needed for modern titles like Marvel Rivals. Yes, franchises like Call of Duty and FIFA continue to support PS4, but even those will phase out eventually. Developers of Marvel Rivals made a clear choice to prioritize future-proofing over backward compatibility.
Could Marvel Rivals Technically Run on PS4?
Possibly. After all, the Steam Deck runs the game. But technical feasibility doesn’t always align with development strategy. Creating a version for PS4 would require compromises that could dilute the experience the developers aim to deliver.
Developers’ Focus on Next-Gen Hardware
In 2025, it’s becoming standard practice for developers to leave behind older hardware. With Marvel Rivals emphasizing high-quality visuals and smooth online play, sticking with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S ensures consistency across the player base.
The Importance of Performance and Graphics in Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals thrives on fast-paced action and stunning visuals. Destructible maps, detailed character models, and seamless online play aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re core to the experience. Last-gen consoles would struggle to maintain the frame rates and visual fidelity required.
The Role of Destructible Environments in System Requirements
One of Marvel Rivals’ standout features is its destructible environments. These mechanics demand real-time physics calculations that simply weren’t a consideration back when PS4 and Xbox One were designed.
Current Platforms for Marvel Rivals
As it stands, you can play Marvel Rivals on:
PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store)
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
These platforms provide the hardware necessary to fully enjoy what Marvel Rivals offers.
Marvel Rivals Success: 10 Million Players in 3 Days
Marvel Rivals exploded in popularity, hitting 10 million players within days of launch. Almost 500,000 concurrent players on Steam speaks volumes. This success reinforces why developers focused solely on platforms that could handle such demand.
Why Next-Gen Only Makes Sense for Marvel Rivals
By committing to next-gen, developers avoid the pitfalls of split development and performance issues across multiple hardware generations. It’s a bold move, but one that ensures the best possible gameplay experience.
Will Cloud Gaming Save PS4 and Xbox One Players?
Cloud gaming could be a saving grace. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or PlayStation Now might eventually offer Marvel Rivals via streaming. But for now, that’s pure speculation.
Possible Future with Xbox Cloud or PS Now
If Marvel Rivals becomes available on cloud platforms, last-gen players could access it without needing a hardware upgrade. Keep an eye on announcements from Microsoft and Sony.
Can You Play Marvel Rivals on Steam Deck?
Yes, surprisingly, Marvel Rivals runs on the Steam Deck. This shows the game’s flexibility, but again, Valve’s handheld PC is a different beast compared to fixed-console hardware from 2013.
Best Options to Play Marvel Rivals Without a Next-Gen Console
Upgrade to a gaming PC
Consider purchasing a PS5 or Xbox Series S (a more affordable next-gen option)
Wait for potential cloud gaming support
Should You Upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X/S?
If Marvel Rivals—and future games like it—are on your radar, upgrading makes sense. Both consoles are now widely available, and prices are more accessible than in previous years.
Is a Gaming PC a Better Investment for Marvel Rivals?
For versatility and performance, a gaming PC is hard to beat. Plus, you get access to mods, better graphics settings, and frequent sales through Steam or Epic.
How Long Will Last-Gen Consoles Be Supported?
Support for PS4 and Xbox One is dwindling. While some AAA titles still launch on last-gen, the industry is clearly moving forward. It’s only a matter of time before full support ends.
Lessons from Other Games: Call of Duty and Madden
Yes, franchises like Call of Duty and Madden still release on older consoles, but even they will transition fully to next-gen. Marvel Rivals is simply ahead of the curve.
Why It’s Time to Move On from PS4 and Xbox One
As much as we love our PS4s and Xbox Ones, they’ve served their purpose. Gaming technology has evolved, and clinging to outdated hardware limits the experiences available to players.
Community Reactions to No PS4/Xbox One Release
There’s disappointment, sure, but many players understand the reasoning. The shift to next-gen is inevitable, and Marvel Rivals is proof that developers are embracing the future.
Will Marvel Rivals Ever Be Backward Compatible?
Without cloud gaming, a native backward-compatible version is highly unlikely. The game was never designed with last-gen hardware in mind.
Conclusion
So, can you play Marvel Rivals on Xbox One and PS4? Sadly, no—not natively. But this reflects a broader industry trend where developers prioritize next-gen hardware to deliver richer, more immersive experiences. If you’re eager to jump into Marvel Rivals, it might be time to consider upgrading your setup or keeping your fingers crossed for future cloud gaming solutions. Either way, the future of gaming is clearly moving forward.
FAQs
Is Marvel Rivals available on Xbox One?
No, it’s only available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Will Marvel Rivals ever come to PS4?
There are no plans for a PS4 release at this time.
Can I play Marvel Rivals through cloud gaming on Xbox One?
Not currently, but it could be possible in the future.
Does Marvel Rivals run on Steam Deck?
Yes, Marvel Rivals is playable on the Steam Deck.
Should I upgrade to play Marvel Rivals?
Yes, upgrading to a next-gen console or gaming PC is recommended.
Why did developers skip PS4 and Xbox One?
Due to hardware limitations and a focus on delivering a next-gen experience.