Essentially, FIFA 23 was split into two separate ecosystems, one for old-gen and another for new-gen consoles. This meant you couldn’t link up with friends who were on a different generation of hardware. Crossplay was limited to within the same console generation. This approach was a significant limitation for players with friends across different console generations, and this was a point of contention with many players.

FIFA 22: A Limited Bridge

While FIFA 22 did offer a glimmer of hope for some cross-generation play, it came with significant caveats. PS4 users could play with those on PS5, and Xbox One users with those on Xbox Series X|S, but only if those on the newer consoles were playing the previous generation version of the game. For instance, if your friend had a PS5 but was playing the PS4 version of FIFA 22, you could play together. This functionality was not full cross-generation play, but rather a backward compatibility bridge that required a shared version of the game.

It wasn’t a unified platform experience, so users needed to be particularly vigilant about their game version, and you’d see this limited cross-generation potential in FIFA 22, where the primary aim is to allow players on new-gen consoles who were still on the old-gen version to play with their old-gen counterparts.

The Game Changer: EA Sports FC 24 and True Cross-Play

EA Sports FC 24 marked a significant shift, introducing true cross-platform play. This means players on old-gen consoles (PS4 and Xbox One) can play together, and new-gen consoles and PC (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) can also play together. However, cross-play is still limited by generation: PS4 and Xbox One players can’t directly match up with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players.

This feature in EA Sports FC 24 has helped bridge some of the generation gaps and provide a more unified community, a relief for many fans. While it’s not completely seamless across all platforms, this approach allows for vastly more flexibility than in previous titles like FIFA 23. This move towards unified leaderboards for each generation enhances this sense of community.

Key Differences & Considerations

Understanding the specific version of FIFA you have is vital. FIFA 23 standard edition did not include dual entitlement, meaning you would need to purchase a new copy if you upgraded consoles. This is why those on old gen might not always be playing the same version on a new gen console with their friends.

Furthermore, the gameplay experience between old and new-generation consoles is vastly different, with new-generation consoles providing significantly improved graphical fidelity and gameplay mechanics. The differences in play styles often make it a mixed bag when it comes to which experience players prefer.

FAQs: Clearing Up FIFA Cross-Gen Confusion

To further clear up any confusion, here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can PS4 players play with PS5 players on FIFA 23?

No, FIFA 23 does not support cross-generation play. PS4 players can only play with other PS4 players and PS5 players can only play with other PS5 players (or those on PC/Xbox Series consoles) .

2. Can Xbox One users play with Xbox Series X/S users on FIFA 23?

No, similar to PlayStation, FIFA 23 does not permit cross-play between Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players.

3. Can old-gen FIFA 22 players play with new-gen FIFA 22 players?

Yes, but with a key condition: new-gen players must be playing the old-gen version of the game on their new-gen console.

4. What is “dual entitlement” in FIFA?

Dual entitlement means you receive both the PS4 and PS5 (or Xbox One and Xbox Series) versions of a game with a single purchase, allowing you to upgrade without repurchasing the game. This feature was not standard with the standard editions of games like FIFA 23, but was available with ultimate editions.

5. Can I upgrade from FIFA 23 on PS4 to PS5 without buying a new copy?

Not necessarily, the standard edition of FIFA 23 does not include dual entitlement. You would need the PS5 version and would have to pay extra if you have the standard edition PS4 version.

6. Is FIFA 23 cross-platform?

Yes and no, FIFA 23 does support cross-play but only within the same generation of consoles, so PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, and PC can play together, and PS4 and Xbox One can play together, but no mixing between generations.

7. Can you play FIFA 23 with friends on different consoles?

Yes, but only if you are on the same console generation. For instance, a PS4 player can only play with another PS4 player and an Xbox player can play only with other Xbox One players on the same system.

8. Does EA Sports FC 24 have cross-generation play?

Yes, EA Sports FC 24 supports cross-generation play. Players on PS4 and Xbox One can play together, while those on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC can play together.

9. Will FIFA 24 be crossplay between PS4 and PS5?

No, crossplay isn’t available across different console generations in EA Sports FC 24. PS4 and PS5 players cannot play with each other directly, which is a limitation despite the improvement in cross-play.

10. Why can’t I invite my friends in FIFA 23?

Possible reasons include: not being friends on Xbox Live or PSN, one of you may be offline, your cross-play settings may not be enabled, or a temporary server issue may be at play.

11. Can old gen play with PC on FIFA?

Not directly. In FIFA 23, old-gen consoles (PS4 and Xbox One) cannot play with PC. In EA FC 24 however, new gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series) can play with PC players.

12. Is FIFA 23 better on old or new gen consoles?

This is subjective. New-gen consoles offer better graphics and improved gameplay mechanics, while some players prefer the smoother feel of old-gen gameplay. Preference comes down to individual tastes.

13. How do cross-generation bundles work?

Cross-generation bundles provide access to both versions of a game (e.g., PS4 and PS5). This allows players to upgrade their console without having to buy the game again.

14. Is FIFA 23 the last FIFA game?

Yes, FIFA 23 is the last game branded as FIFA by EA Sports. Future titles are now branded as EA Sports FC.

15. Can PS4 players play with Xbox One players on FIFA 23?

Yes, FIFA 23 allows cross-play between PS4 and Xbox One players, as both are considered the same console generation, although they can’t play new gen consoles.

In conclusion, understanding the cross-generation limitations of each FIFA release is vital. While FIFA 23 was restrictive, EA Sports FC 24 introduces more comprehensive cross-play. Always check the specifics of each game to make the most of your gaming experience and stay connected with friends across console generations.