Xbox console exclusive South of Midnight is set to expand its reach, as it has been confirmed for release on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. This announcement comes right after the action-adventure game received its first and only award at The Game Awards 2025. Developed by Compulsion Games, a Canadian studio under Microsoft, South of Midnight is a dark fantasy title steeped in Southern Gothic themes. It debuted on April 8 to mostly positive reviews, boasting a 77 average score on OpenCritic, with over two-thirds of critics recommending it based on 157 ratings. The game was initially available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass from day one.
South of Midnight took home the Games for Impact award at The Game Awards 2025, which took place on December 11 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Compulsion Games’ Senior Producer Diane Guillemont and Associate Narrative Director Farah Brixi accepted the honor and shared a few words before revealing that the acclaimed game will be available on PS5 and Switch 2, with a release planned for spring 2026. Additionally, South of Midnight was nominated for the Innovation in Accessibility category, but the award ultimately went to another Xbox title, Doom: The Dark Ages.
What the Critics Have Been Saying About South of Midnight
Players of Switch 2 and PS5 can look forward to the upcoming Xbox title, South of Midnight, which has garnered praise for its vibrant setting and intricate world-building that delves into Deep South folklore. The game is noted for its emotional storytelling and impressive art direction, with many reviewers appreciating its brisk pacing that respects players’ time. However, the combat has faced some criticism; while it is impactful, its simplicity and frequency can make it feel repetitive. According to community feedback, players can expect to spend about 10 hours completing the game, with those aiming for full completion likely to invest around 20 hours.
Xbox console exclusive South of Midnight will soon be console exclusive no more, having just been confirmed for the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Its new ports were announced just as the action adventure secured its first and only accolade at The Game Awards 2025.
A dark fantasy action adventure with a Southern Gothic setting, South of Midnight is the newest title from Compulsion Games, a Microsoft-owned Canadian studio that previously released the 2013 puzzle platformer Contrast and 2018 immersive sim We Happy Few. It was originally released on April 8, launching to predominantly positive reviews, as underlined by its 77 average score on OpenCritic, with more than two in three reviewers recommending it (based on 157 ratings). South of Midnight was a day-one release on the Xbox Series X/S and PC, as well as Xbox Game Pass.
Related
South of Midnight Hit a Major Sales Milestone
In an interview with Game Rant, South of Midnight’s studio head details it reaching an impressive milestone and why it hits for so many fans.
May 2, 2025
South of Midnight Announced for PS5 and Switch 2 at TGA 2025
South of Midnight won the Games for Impact accolade at The Game Awards 2025, held on December 11 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The honor was accepted by Compulsion Games Senior Producer Diane Guillemont and Associate Narrative Director Farah Brixi. After a brief speech, the pair announced that the award-winning game is coming to the PS5 and Switch 2. The newly confirmed ports are targeting a spring 2026 release. South of Midnight was also nominated in the Innovation in Accessibility category at TGA 2025, which was ultimately won by another Xbox title, Doom: The Dark Ages.
What the Critics Have Been Saying About South of Midnight
In terms of what Switch 2 and PS5 owners can expect from the upcoming Xbox title, South of Midnight earned plaudits for its vivid setting, detailed world-building, and culturally specific exploration of Deep South folklore. Its emotional narrative and strong art direction also received acclaim, along with its tight pacing, which many reviewers described as respectful of the player’s time. The most commonly cited criticism was the combat—not because it lacked impact, but due to its simplicity relative to how frequently it occurs, leading some to find it repetitive. Crowdsourced data suggests that South of Midnight takes around 10 hours to finish, with an average completionist run lasting twice as long.
South of Midnight Continues Xbox’s Multi-Platform Publishing Push
Microsoft’s push for multi-platform publishing continues with the PS5 and Switch 2 versions of South of Midnight, a trend that started in early 2024. Two more Xbox titles have been confirmed for multi-platform releases: Halo: Campaign Evolved and Forza Horizon 6. Halo will launch on the PS5 on day one in 2026, while Forza Horizon 6 is set for a 2026 release as a timed exclusive for Xbox Series X/S before eventually arriving on Sony’s console, likely not until 2027.
Leave a Reply