As Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is releasing at the tail end of a console generation, a port to next-gen consoles would make sense for the long-awaited sequel. According to the ESRB, that next-gen version may be on the way, as a listing for Crash 4 on the Xbox Series X has been discovered.
Crash 4 is receiving good reviews from numerous gaming websites, so a re-release of the game coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X would not be particularly surprising. Following the events of the original trilogy, Crash 4 includes new features such as unique playable characters and a co-op mode. With deep mechanics and challenging, modernized gameplay, the new Crash could be a perfect fit for next-gen consoles that it will supposedly release on.
By going into the ESRB rating for Crash 4, players quickly noticed that the “platforms” section for It’s About Time included a listing for Crash 4 on Xbox Series X. While this could be a mistake by someone on the ESRB staff, it seems unlikely given the time it released and how well Crash 4 has performed in sales thus far. A leak from the ESRB is usually credible, so fans holding off on grabbing Crash right now may want to wait for a potential next-gen version.
A similar situation occurred recently as the re-release of the Metal Gear series on PC leaked due to a ratings board in Taiwan. Many critics have already praised Crash 4 for being visually impressive, so a simple port with minor upgrades may be enough to justify a next-gen Crash 4.
Game Rant’s own review for Crash 4 praised many facets of the game, suggesting its new gimmicks like quantum masks and extra playable characters successfully changed up the formula and made for a fan-pleasing and more modernized Crash game. The larger cast and their new abilities makes the story entertaining, while the game offers challenging levels that still feel fair. Though the game has some faults, such as its tedious endgame content and seemingly tacked-on multiplayer, the game still seems like a win for old-school Crash Bandicoot fans.
Crash fans are likely excited to see the old-school video game mascot make his big return, and many are pushing for Crash to join Super Smash Bros. If this ESRB leak turns out to be true, Crash will likely be following his dedicated fans as they make the jump to next-gen consoles in a few months’ time.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Source: ESRB