Xbox Series X players can finally take a peek at what MLB The Show 21 will look like on the console when it arrives April 20. Ever since it was announced in February that the originally PlayStation-exclusive series would be coming to Xbox, fans have been counting down the days. A PS5 gameplay video for MLB The Show 21 dropped last week, followed by video recorded on PS5 of the game running at 4K and 60 FPS. Now Xbox fans get a gameplay video and a bonus IGN interview with gameplay designer Ramone Russell.
MLB The Show 21 will be available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, but there are some exclusive next-gen upgrades. The Xbox Series X will allow for 60 FPS gaming, same as the PS5. On the PS5, players will have the option to play the game with 3D audio if they have compatible headphones, and DualSense controller support will allow them to feel haptic feedback and use adaptive triggers. In the interview, Russell discusses these next-gen exclusive features in MLB The Show 21, and also talks in-depth about the game's mechanics and development process.
IGN's Ryan McCaffrey sat down with Russell to discuss different game modes and features in MLB The Show 21, as well as what it means for San Diego Studios to now be a multi-platform developer. "It's been another labor of love," Russell said, emphasizing that it was a "large undertaking" for the small team. He also reminds players across all consoles that MLB The Show 21 features cross-play and cross-progression, which means players can transfer progress from one console to another and play against anybody on both PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Russell also dives into the individual mechanics that will make MLB The Show 21 stand out from previous entries in the series. For players really wanting to get serious with pitching technique, pinpoint pitching in MLB The Show 21 will require players to perfect analog stick movement timing and motion to dot their pitches. The game also encourages players to learn the mechanics at their own pace, with three different gameplay styles (Casual, Simulation, Competitive) that offer varying amounts of tutorials.
Ultimately, San Diego Studio aims to makes sure MLB The Show 21 has a variety of features for players with great user stick skills or no skills at all to tailor their experience and have a good time. If players need a break they can jump into the next-gen exclusive Stadium Creator, which Russell says will "blow their minds." MLB The Show 21 has built some solid momentum this year, and if that continues its April launch should be a good one.
MLB The Show 21Â is releasing on April 20, 2021, for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.