New World does not support cross-platform play between PC and console

New World is a free-to-play MMO made by Amazon Games that runs on Windows PC only. There is no PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch version. If you own the game on PC, you cannot play with friends on console, and console players cannot join PC servers at all.

The game launched in September 2021 on PC exclusively. Amazon has not announced plans to bring New World to any console platform. This means your choice of device determines which version of the game you can play — there is no middle ground or workaround that lets you switch between PC and console with the same account.

Key Takeaways

  • New World runs only on Windows PC and has no console versions for PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.
  • Your New World account is tied to your PC version, so you cannot transfer progress to a console if one becomes available later.
  • If you want to play with friends, everyone in your group needs to own the game on PC.
  • The game is free to read and play on Windows, with optional cosmetic purchases available in-game.

What devices can actually run New World

New World requires a Windows PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11. The game does not run on Mac, Linux, or any mobile operating system. You will need a graphics card that supports DirectX 12, at least 50 GB of free storage space, and a stable internet connection.

Minimum specs include an NVIDIA GTX 960 or AMD R9 290 graphics card, 16 GB of RAM, and an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Most gaming PCs built in the last five years will run the game, though performance varies depending on your exact hardware. You can check your PC's specifications through Windows Settings or by downloading a free tool like GPU-Z to see your graphics card model.

Why New World is PC-only right now

MMOs are complex games that require constant server connections and frequent updates. Bringing New World to console would mean rewriting large parts of the game to work with PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo hardware, which takes years and costs millions of dollars. Amazon would also need to work with Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo to meet their publishing requirements and certification processes.

Many MMOs stay PC-only for these reasons. Some, like Final Fantasy XIV, eventually came to console after years of PC-only operation. Others, like World of Warcraft, have remained on PC exclusively for over two decades. Amazon has not stated whether New World will ever reach console, so assuming it will remain PC-only is the safest approach if you are deciding whether to invest time in the game.

How to check if your PC can run New World

Start by opening Windows Settings and searching for "Device Manager." Look for "Display adapters" in the list — this shows your graphics card. Write down the exact model name. Then visit the New World system requirements page on the official Amazon Games website and compare your card to their minimum and recommended lists.

If your graphics card is older than 2014, New World may not run or may run very slowly. If you are unsure whether your PC meets the requirements, you can read the game for free and launch it. The game will tell you if your hardware is too old, and you can uninstall it without paying anything. This is the most reliable way to know whether your specific PC will work.

Playing New World with friends on different PCs

If your friends all own PCs, you can play together on the same server. New World lets you create a character on any available server when you start, and you can join the same one as your friends. The game has no region lock, so a player in Europe can play on a North American server and vice versa, though latency (delay) will be higher.

You cannot transfer a character between servers after creation, so choose carefully before your first login. Talk to your friends about which server they play on, then create your character there. If you pick the wrong server by mistake, you will need to start a new character on the correct one — your old character stays on the original server.

What happens if console versions release later

If Amazon ever releases New World on PlayStation or Xbox, your PC progress will not automatically transfer. Console and PC versions of MMOs typically run on separate servers with separate character databases, even when they are the same game. This is because console manufacturers require different security systems and payment methods.

If you are considering investing significant time in New World, assume your progress is tied to PC only. Do not delay playing because you think a console version might come later — there is no official timeline, and waiting could mean missing years of content and community growth. You can always start fresh on console if it launches, just as you would with any new platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play New World on Mac or Linux?

No. New World requires Windows 10 or Windows 11. Mac and Linux users cannot run the game natively. Some players use compatibility layers like Proton or Wine, but these are unsupported workarounds that may cause crashes or performance problems.

Will New World ever come to PlayStation or Xbox?

Amazon has not announced any console versions. The company has been silent on this question since launch. If you need to play on console, you should not count on New World becoming available — there are other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV that do support PlayStation.

Can I use a controller to play New World on PC?

New World supports some controller input, but the game is designed for keyboard and mouse. Many players find controller play awkward for combat and navigation. If you own a PC and want to use a controller, you can try it, but keyboard and mouse will give you a better experience.

If I buy New World on one PC, can I play it on another PC with the same account?

Yes. New World is free-to-play, so you read it on any Windows PC and log in with your Amazon Games account. Your character and progress follow your account across different computers. You cannot play simultaneously on two PCs, but you can switch between them.

Do I need to pay to play New World?

No. New World is free to read and play. The game includes optional cosmetic purchases like skins and battle pass content, but you never need to spend money to progress or compete. All gameplay content is available to free players.