Summary
A developer working onZenless Zone Zero, the upcoming free-to-play action RPG fromChinese publisher HoYoverse, has commented on the idea of bringing the studio’s newest title to more platforms, specifically the Nintendo Switch and Xbox.HoYoverse’s latest releases, likeGenshin ImpactandHonkai: Star Rail, have been massively successful, establishing themselves as some of the few live service juggernauts in the industry. Because of their widespread popularity, some gamers often forget that not everyone can play the company’s titles on their preferred platform of choice, as they’re only on PlayStation console-wise. Fortunately, it looks like the precedent set by HoYoverse’s prior games may change with the studio’s upcoming title.
Zenless Zone Zerowas teasedand subsequently announced in May 2022. Billed as the next big franchise from HoYoverse, this hack-and-slash RPG aims to be the studio’s unique take on an urban fantasy setting. The title was initially only slated to launch on Android, iOS, and Windows PC, but a PS5 port was announced in early 2024. There was, however, no word from HoYoverse on a potential Xbox Series X/S or Nintendo Switch release at the time. Due to that, it seemed like the game would be a perpetual PlayStation console exclusive, just likeGenshin ImpactandHonkai: Star Railbefore it. However, it appears that that may not be the case.
In an interview with IGN,Zenless Zone Zeroproducer Zhenyu Li discussed the future of HoYoverse’s upcoming sci-fi RPG, briefly making comments about bringing the game to more platforms. “WhenZZZlaunches on July 4, it’ll be available on PlayStation 5, mobile devices, and PC, but Li said they’re not stopping development there,” IGN stated. “They’re working to bringZZZto Nintendo Switch and Xbox too.” While this is exciting news for Xbox and Nintendo fans who want to playthe upcoming PS5 console exclusiveon their preferred platforms, IGN made sure to temper expectations, as they alleged that “Li framedZZZ’s arrival on these platforms as a hope and not something quite set in stone.”
HoYoverse Wants to Bring Zenless Zone Zero to Xbox and Nintendo Switch
WhileZenless Zone Zerolikely won’t launch on Xbox or Nintendo consoles anytime soon, this does at least indicate that HoYoverse is interested in bringing its games to as many platforms as possible. Even though theGenshinImpactcreator continues to reach incredible financial milestones, HoYoverse going full multiplatform would only benefit the company even more.
For years, it seemed like the chances of HoYoverse games, likeHonkai: Star RailandGenshin Impact, releasing on non-PlayStation consoles were rather slim. Although the latter of the two was announced for Nintendo Switch four years ago, both it and other games from the Chinese developer have yet to be released on the console. As such, many presumed that PlayStation had locked down bothGenshin Impactand HoYoverse’s other titles as permanent exclusives, due to the company being part ofSony’s Chinese development project. Luckily, it seems that this assumption might be false, at least inZenless Zone Zero’s case.
Zenless Zone Zero
WHERE TO PLAY
Don’t go into the Hollows.I know, I know, there’s Ether in the Hollows, bizarre creations, even heritage of the old civilization, all precious treasures. But don’t forget, there’s also spatial disorder, monsters and mutants running rampant, and ultimately, a disaster that could swallow the world. They are not a place where ordinary people should go.So don’t go into Hollows.Or at least, don’t go in alone.If you insist on getting into danger, go to New Eridu first.This city where the good and the bad mix has many people who need the Hollows: Powerful wealthy tycoons, gangs that stalk the streets, conspiracy nuts, and ruthless officials.Make your preparations there, find strong allies, and most importantly—Find a “Proxy”.Only they can guide people out of the maze-like Hollows.Good luck!
