THQ Nordic has made clear the state of Biomutant on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Next-generation console owners finally have a definitive answer to what the experience will be like.
Biomutant is an upcoming martial arts open-world game developed by Experiment 101 and published by THQ Nordic and was recently confirmed to have specific PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions. THQ Nordic has uploaded unedited PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X backwards compatibility gameplay videos so owners of current-gen systems can decide whether to buy now or wait for the current-gen specific version.
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While Biomutant has a confirmed release date for last generation, there is no release date in sight for current-gen. The last-generation version's imminent release will, however, be backwards compatible, so those unwilling to wait for the current-gen version will still be able to enjoy the full experience.
Biomutant's PS5 and Xbox Series X versions may be Experiment 101's answer to the technical problems preventing the backwards compatible PS4 version from achieving native 4K. The current gameplay on PS5 and Series X appears stable, and it seems unlikely current-gen owners will have to wait long for the definitive Biomutant experience. The reveal of gameplay footage is a good sign development is going well, and it's possible Experiment 101 is simply focusing on post-launch support for the last-gen versions before targeting a current-gen release.
The stylish, cartoony action of Biomutant will likely lend itself well to high resolutions, and the gameplay shown demonstrates a smooth experience across both current-generation platforms. As of yet, it is unclear whether the current-gen version will be a free upgrade for last-gen edition owners, as with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order's free upgrade. THQ Nordic has acted inconsistent about upgrades in the past, sometimes offering a free upgrade on one system while charging for another, so the state of the Biomutant current-gen upgrade is unclear.
The release on current-gen systems may still feel unnecessary to some, as the last-gen versions still provide the full experience. Experiment 101 may need to consider extra incentives to bring more players into the current generation, or else many players may stick with their PS4 and Xbox One systems, as the game does not appear to contain anything impossible on last-gen hardware. There is also no Nintendo Switch version confirmed, potentially missing out on a large audience of players who would prefer a portable version.
Biomutant releases on PC, PS4, and Xbox One on May 25, 2021. The release date for PS5 and Xbox Series X is TBA.