Sony's backend code suggests that cross-platform purchasing between PS5 and PC may be possible in the future.

Data miner Amethxst has discovered new hidden system icons in the PlayStation backend, suggesting Sony may be bringing "cross-platform purchase" support to the PS5, PC, and even the rumored PS6 handheld.

Amethxst points out that these icons recently appeared on the PlayStation website and in developer tools, including tags for "Cross-Buy," "PS5," "PC," and "Echo Mode." He calls these new resources official Sony UI symbols with unique Unicode encoding (EF5B to EF61), allowing them to be displayed directly on the PS5, not the PS4.

To prove its authenticity, Amethxst showcased the interface effects of the new icons on Xbox, icons that weren't present earlier this year and are likely to be added between March and the end of October 2025.

If true, this would be a long-awaited feature for many PlayStation players: a single purchase that allows them to play on both consoles and PC. In contrast, Xbox has long offered a similar service through "Play Anywhere," while Sony has typically kept PC and console platforms separate. According to reports, there are several possible ways this feature could be implemented. One is that Sony might release a dedicated PC launcher. Previous data mining suggests this approach would simplify cross-platform purchase management, especially given the increasing number of PlayStation exclusive games appearing on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Another possibility is that it's designed for the rumored PS6 handheld console. Sony has already released the PlayStation Portal, but it only supports remote play. If Sony is developing a truly standalone handheld, then implementing a unified cross-platform purchase system between the PS5 and PC or handheld consoles makes perfect sense.