Forza Horizon 5, the beloved open-world racing game by Playground Games, has officially crossed over from Xbox exclusivity to the PlayStation 5 family. Thanks to porting specialists Panic Button, PS5 and PS5 Pro users can now experience the stunning beauty of Mexico’s landscapes and Hot Wheels-inspired tracks with performance levels rivaling the original Xbox Series X release. Here’s a full breakdown of what players can expect.
A Milestone Move for Xbox and PlayStation
The arrival of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 marks a significant shift for Microsoft. Traditionally committed to console exclusives, Microsoft appears more focused on spreading its major titles across platforms. This move benefits gamers by making one of Xbox’s biggest franchises available on Sony’s popular hardware—and it shows that Xbox hardware is no longer the only way to experience its top games.
For long-time fans who started their Forza journey on Xbox, this port offers the chance to re-explore the game with the PS5’s unique hardware advantages, such as the DualSense controller’s responsive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Performance and Visuals: A Near-Perfect Port
Both PS5 and PS5 Pro versions of Forza Horizon 5 offer two modes: 60 FPS Performance Mode and 30 FPS Quality Mode. Visually, the PS5 version is a near-identical match to the Xbox Series X, with identical terrain detail, foliage density, and image quality. Both consoles typically achieve a full 4K resolution, though minor dips (such as an 1872p internal resolution) occasionally occur on PS5 during intense moments. In practice, these differences are virtually imperceptible during gameplay.
In terms of performance, the game maintains its target frame rates impeccably, whether players prioritize speed or graphical fidelity. Even though minor quirks exist—such as slightly different car physics between modes—these are minor and consistent with the Xbox versions as well.
PS5 Pro: Elevated Visuals for the Ultimate Experience
While the PS5 version impresses, the PS5 Pro offers notable upgrades that racing enthusiasts will appreciate. In Performance Mode on the Pro, Forza Horizon 5 delivers denser and more vibrant foliage, offering an environmental richness usually reserved for Quality Mode. Moreover, the PS5 Pro holds 4K resolution more consistently than the base PS5, providing a cleaner and sharper image during high-speed races.
A notable new feature exclusive to the PS5 Pro’s Quality Mode is the addition of ray-traced (RT) vehicle self-reflections during gameplay. Though this effect focuses only on the player’s vehicle and is relatively subtle, it does add an extra layer of polish, particularly visible on chrome surfaces and mirrors.
However, PS5 Pro users should note a minor issue: activating Photo Mode during a race in Quality Mode currently causes the game to crash—a bug that does not affect Performance Mode or the base PS5.
A Fresh Start for Returning Players
For existing Forza Horizon 5 players who previously built up large garages and completed dozens of challenges on Xbox, transitioning to PS5 does mean starting fresh. Progress and unlocked cars do not carry over. However, the opportunity to re-experience the game’s vast world and unlock everything again can be a refreshing challenge.
Furthermore, Playground Games has continued to support Forza Horizon 5 with major expansions like Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure, and the new Horizon Realms feature, which brings together 11 previously time-limited evolving world areas into one package. Even years after launch, the game feels alive and packed with content.
Should You Pick Up Forza Horizon 5 on PS5?
Absolutely. Forza Horizon 5 remains one of the most beautiful, content-rich, and enjoyable racing games ever made. Whether you’re new to the franchise or a longtime Xbox player looking to streamline your setup, the PS5 and PS5 Pro ports deliver an incredible experience without compromise.
While PS5 players won’t see dramatic leaps beyond the Xbox Series X version, the faithful port ensures nothing is lost—and in the case of the PS5 Pro, foliage upgrades and RT reflections add a bit of extra polish.
Given Microsoft’s evolving strategy toward multi-platform releases, Forza Horizon 5 may just be the beginning of a broader trend—and if so, PlayStation users have much to look forward to.
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