Is MLB The Show 25 on Game Pass? What You Need to Know

For the first time since 2021, MLB The Show 25 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass. Breaking a four-year tradition, Sony and MLB confirmed the game will skip subscription services entirely in 2025, requiring players to purchase it outright. This decision marks a significant shift for the franchise and raises questions about accessibility for casual gamers. Here’s everything you need to know about the game’s availability and what it means for fans.

Why Isn’t MLB The Show 25 on Xbox Game Pass?

Since its Xbox debut in 2021, every MLB The Show title launched day one on Xbox Game Pass. However, Sony announced that MLB The Show 25 “will not be on platform subscription services in 2025,” ending this streak. While no official reason was provided, industry analysts speculate the move reflects evolving licensing strategies or a push to boost direct sales. Previous entries like MLB The Show 24 will also leave Game Pass by late March 2025, signaling a clean break from the service.

What Does This Mean for Xbox Players?

Xbox gamers must now pay full price to play MLB The Show 25. The Standard Edition costs $69.99, while the Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99) includes four days of early access starting March 14, 2025. A Collector’s Edition priced at $229.99 adds physical extras like a steelbook case and exclusive in-game items. This pricing model may deter casual players who relied on Game Pass for affordable access to the series.

Platform Availability and Features

MLB The Show 25 launches on March 18, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Notably, the game skips Xbox One, making it a current-gen exclusive. Key features include: - Road to the Show: Revamped progression with High School and College gameplay. - Diamond Dynasty: A new roguelike mode called Diamond Quest. - Franchise Mode: Improved trade logic and defensive WAR calculations. - Storylines: Expanded historical campaigns celebrating baseball legends.

Will MLB The Show 25 Come to Game Pass Later?

Sony’s statement leaves little hope for a 2025 Game Pass release. While titles like Madden or NHL often join subscription services months after launch, MLB The Show 25’s absence seems definitive for now. Players holding out for a late addition may need to temper expectations, as Sony’s wording emphasizes a full-year exclusion from platforms like Game Pass.

How to Play MLB The Show 25 Early

Early access begins March 14, 2025, for Digital Deluxe Edition buyers. Unlike previous years, time zone adjustments won’t unlock the game sooner due to a simultaneous global release. Early adopters can dive into new modes like Diamond Quest or test the revamped Road to the Show mechanics before the official launch.

Alternatives for Budget-Conscious Gamers

With MLB The Show 25 absent from Game Pass, consider these alternatives: - MLB The Show 24: Available on Game Pass until late March 2025 (check for discounts post-removal). - EA Sports College Football 25: A potential competitor launching summer 2025. - MLB The Show 25 Standard Edition: Wait for seasonal sales or price drops post-launch.

Conclusion

MLB The Show 25’s departure from Xbox Game Pass ends a beloved tradition for subscribers, requiring full-price purchases for the first time in years. While the game introduces exciting new features and modes, its $69.99 price tag may limit accessibility for some players. Whether this decision impacts sales or pushes fans toward other baseball titles remains to be seen. For now, Xbox gamers must weigh the cost against their passion for virtual diamond action.