‘Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’ Lands on PS5: Definitive Pre-Order Guide, Editions, Pricing, and Exclusive Features

In a landmark move signaling a new era of cross-platform releases, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is officially coming to the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, making it the first mainline entry in the franchise to land on a Sony console. Announced during a recent State of Play event, pre-orders are now live for what promises to be one of the most technically ambitious simulation games ever released on a console. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the available editions, prices, pre-order benefits, and the exclusive features that PS5 players can look forward to.

Release Date and Early Access Information

The highly anticipated release of the ultimate Aviation Simulator is just around the corner, with a crucial detail for those looking to start their virtual flying career early:

• Full Release Date: December 8, 2025
• Early Access Date: December 3, 2025 (Available for Deluxe, Premium Deluxe, and Aviator Edition pre-orders)

Pre-Order Bonuses: Secure Your Exclusive Aircraft

All virtual pilots who pre-order any edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for the PS5 will receive a high-performance bonus aircraft to start their fleet. Securing your pre-order early is the only way to guarantee this exclusive content.

• Universal Pre-Order Bonus: The Northrop T-38A Talon. This is a famous supersonic jet trainer, offering a high-speed, high-altitude experience right from launch.
• Early Flight Access: Pre-ordering the Deluxe, Premium Deluxe, or Aviator Editions grants a five-day head start, allowing you to begin your Career Mode and exploration on December 3, 2025.

Editions and Pricing: Choosing Your Fleet

Four distinct editions are available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store and at select retailers, with the major difference being the size and variety of your initial aircraft fleet and the number of highly detailed, hand-crafted airports included. All prices listed are in USD and are generally consistent across all purchasing platforms.

1. Standard Edition

• Price: $69.99
• Aircraft Included: Over 70 aircraft.
• Handcrafted Airports: Over 150 handcrafted airports.
• Note: This edition is available physically (disc version) at retail, in addition to digital purchase.

2. Deluxe Edition

• Price: $99.99
• Aircraft Included: Over 80 aircraft.
• Handcrafted Airports: Over 155 handcrafted airports.
• Bonus: Includes the Standard Edition content plus 10 additional aircraft and 5 additional hand-crafted international airports. Also includes Early Access on December 3.

3. Premium Deluxe Edition

• Price: $129.99
• Aircraft Included: Over 95 aircraft.
• Handcrafted Airports: Over 160 handcrafted airports.
• Bonus: Includes the Deluxe Edition content plus another 15 additional aircraft and 5 more hand-crafted international airports. Includes Early Access on December 3.

4. Aviator Edition (Digital Exclusive)

• Price: $199.99
• Aircraft Included: Over 125 aircraft.
• Handcrafted Airports: Over 160 handcrafted airports.
• Bonus: The ultimate collector’s digital edition, featuring all Premium Deluxe content plus the entire fleet of 30 Microsoft-published Marketplace aircraft released between 2021 and 2024. Includes Early Access on December 3.

PS5 Exclusive Features and Future VR Support

Asobo Studio has confirmed that the PS5 version is being developed to take full advantage of the console’s hardware, offering a highly immersive experience previously unavailable on the platform:

• DualSense Controller Integration: The game utilizes the DualSense wireless controller’s advanced haptics and features:
  • Adaptive Triggers: Experience real-world feedback, such as sloped resistance in the air and a tangible response to different surface types during taxiing and take-off.
  • Controller Speaker: Air traffic control (ATC) communications will be played directly through the controller speaker, simulating the feel of a real cockpit headset.
  • Gyro and Touchpad: Support for gyro controls, lightbar functions, and a customizable touchpad further enhance the flight controls and immersion.
• PS VR2 Support Confirmed: A free update for the game is scheduled for 2026 to add full support for the PlayStation VR2 headset. This will deliver an unparalleled, fully immersive 3D cockpit experience for virtual reality enthusiasts.
• The World’s Most Detailed Digital Twin: Leveraging the power of the PS5, players can fly anywhere on Earth, land at over 40,000 airports and runways, and explore the globe in photorealistic detail, taking on new, dynamically generated career missions like aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and glacier landing.