Image Credit: Forza

PlayStation players hoping to hit the roads of Japan in Forza Horizon 6 this year will have to wait a little longer. Playground Games has officially confirmed that the open world racing game is coming to PlayStation 5 on January 26, 2027, pushing the port beyond its previously planned 2026 release window.

The announcement arrived on October 8, alongside the opening of PlayStation Store preorders and new details about the game’s first Premium Expansion. While the delay may disappoint players who have been waiting to experience the latest Horizon Festival on Sony’s console, there is a silver lining: the PS5 version will launch with cross platform play, cross saves, and access to community created content.

The good news is that PlayStation players will not have to wait long into the new year. Premium Edition owners will also be able to start playing five days early, on January 21, 2027.

Forza Horizon 6’s PS5 Release Date Confirmed

Playground Games confirmed the release date through an official announcement published on October 8. The PS5 version is being developed by Panic Button in close collaboration with Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios. Panic Button previously worked on the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5.

The game is already available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with its Japanese setting offering players a large open world to explore, a collection of more than 550 cars, and the familiar Horizon Festival racing experience.

For PlayStation players, the January release means the game will arrive several months after its Xbox and PC debut. However, Playground Games is positioning the PS5 release as an opportunity to bring another community into the same shared Horizon experience.

Players can already visit the official Forza Horizon 6 website for information about the game and its available editions.

When Can Players Start Playing?

The release schedule depends on which edition players choose.

• January 21, 2027: Early access begins for Premium Edition owners.
• January 26, 2027: Standard and Deluxe Editions launch on PS5.
• January 21, 2027: The first Premium Expansion arrives across platforms.

Premium Edition players will receive five days of early access, allowing them to explore Japan before the standard release. The first expansion is scheduled to arrive on the same day as early access.

Playground Games has also confirmed that a free content update will accompany the PS5 launch and first expansion. More details about that update are expected closer to release.

PS5 Players Will Get Cross Play and Cross Saves

One of the most encouraging details in the announcement is that the PS5 version will support both cross platform play and cross saves with Xbox and Steam.

This means players will be able to race with friends across supported platforms rather than being restricted to PlayStation users. Cross saves also provide a way for players to continue their progress across the supported versions of the game.

The shared experience extends to user generated content. PlayStation players will have access to community creations, including EventLab races, custom garages, estates, vehicle liveries, and tuning setups.

This is a significant advantage for a game built around exploration and player creativity. Instead of starting with an isolated collection of community content, PS5 players will be able to access creations developed by the existing Xbox and PC communities.

It also means the additional time before launch will not necessarily translate into a weaker community experience. The existing collection of player made content should help the PS5 version feel more established from day one.

What About Performance on PS5?

Playground Games has confirmed two visual modes for the PS5 version.

The pre order trailer was captured on a standard PS5 in Quality mode at 4K and 30 frames per second. A 60 FPS Performance mode will also be available.

The announcement does not yet provide a complete breakdown of the resolution, visual settings, or performance differences between the two modes. It is also too early to draw conclusions about how the game will run on PS5 Pro without additional technical information.

Still, the inclusion of a 60 FPS mode is welcome news for players who prioritize responsive steering and smooth gameplay in a racing title. The PS5 release will also be available physically at participating retailers, giving players the option to purchase a disc rather than a digital copy.

Preorders Include a Ferrari J50

Players who preorder any edition of Forza Horizon 6 on PS5 will receive a pre tuned Ferrari J50.

The car will be added to their in game garage after they begin playing and complete the prologue. It is a small bonus, but it gives early buyers an additional vehicle to take onto Japan’s roads.

Playground Games has opened preorders through the PlayStation Store, with Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Editions available. Players should compare the included content before choosing an edition, especially if they are interested in the upcoming expansion and other add ons.

The First Premium Expansion Arrives in January

The PS5 release is not the only major date in the announcement. Playground Games has also confirmed that the first Premium Expansion will launch on January 21, 2027, across all platforms.

The expansion is included with the Premium Edition, Premium Upgrade, and Expansions Bundle. Players who do not own one of those packages will be able to purchase it separately. The developer also confirmed that a second expansion is planned for a later date, although its release schedule has not yet been announced.

Alongside the expansion and PS5 release, a free content update will be available to all players. Playground Games has not revealed the full contents of that update yet.

This creates an interesting situation for existing Xbox and PC players. While the PS5 port is delayed, everyone will have a new expansion and a free update to look forward to in January.

Why the Delay Matters

The delay is disappointing for PlayStation owners who expected to play Forza Horizon 6 before the end of 2026. Racing fans who have watched the Xbox and PC communities explore Japan will now need to wait until late January to join them.

However, the announcement also makes it clear that Playground Games is aiming for a connected launch rather than a separate PlayStation experience. Cross platform play, cross saves, and shared user generated content should make the PS5 version feel like part of the existing community.

The launch timing could also help the game benefit from the first Premium Expansion and a free content update. Instead of arriving as a simple port, the PS5 version will debut alongside new content that existing players can enjoy as well.

Of course, these benefits do not erase the frustration of waiting longer than expected. Players will still want to see more information about the game’s technical performance and how well the port runs on both PS5 models.

For now, the most important details are confirmed: the PS5 version has a release date, preorders are open, and cross platform features will be available.

Final Thoughts

Forza Horizon 6 coming to PS5 in January 2027 is a setback for players who were hoping to explore Japan before the end of this year. However, the new date also brings some useful details about what PlayStation owners can expect.

The game will offer a 60 FPS Performance mode, cross platform play, cross saves, and access to community created content. Preorders also include a Ferrari J50, while Premium Edition owners can start playing five days early.

January 21 will be an important date for the wider Horizon community, with early access and the first Premium Expansion arriving together. The PS5 version will follow five days later, bringing another group of players into the festival.

Until then, PlayStation players can check the available editions and preorder details on the official Forza Horizon 6 website.

Stay Tuned to The Gamers Cut for more Forza Horizon 6 updates, racing game news, release date announcements, and gaming coverage.