Microsoft and Nintendo are using Sony’s unwillingness to join them in cross-platform play as a marketing tool, as evidenced in the latest Minecraft trailer. Following on from the news that Fortnite accounts aren’t able to be carried over from the PS4 to the Nintendo Switch, a brand new Minecraft cross-play trailer has seen Microsoft and Nintendo join forces with the slogan “Better Together.”
The new trailer, shared on Nintendo and Microsoft’s social accounts, shows two players on the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch playing alongside one another. While cross-play has been available for some time now, this is the first time that two of the big three console manufacturers have explicitly referenced it in their marketing. It also shines an unfortunate spotlight on Sony, who continue to refuse to allow cross-platform play between the PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.
The surreal image of the Microsoft and Nintendo logos appearing alongside one another is already being hurriedly shared across social media. If Sony doesn’t decide to rethink its position on cross-play as a result of this new trailer, then it’s unclear what will make the company budge on its stubborn stance.
Sony has remained resolute in refusing to allow PS4 owners to play alongside Xbox One and Nintendo Switch owners. As market leaders, Sony has reportedly refused to allow cross-play due to not wanting players to branch out onto other platforms. However, with Microsoft and Nintendo now working together, it could be only a matter of time before Sony is forced to join the fold.
It would seem that this Minecraft collaboration won’t be the only time that Microsoft and Nintendo work together. A good number of other games offer cross-platform play, from Fortnite through to Rocket League, so we could perhaps see the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch join forces again in the future. We’ll have to wait to see whether or not that will be the case, and if Sony plans to join its two competitors any time soon. Here’s hoping.
Watch the new Minecraft cross-play trailer below:
