'Kingdom Hearts 3' release date update: Game to be PS4 exclusive?

Sora in "Kingdom Hearts 3."Square-Enix

Like previous franchise installments, it is said that the upcoming "Kingdom Hearts 3" game will be released for the PS4 and Xbox One. However, recent speculations suggest that the new title may be launched as an exclusive for the Sony console instead.

According to iTechPost, eagle-eyed observers have mentioned that the game has gone missing from the Japanese Xbox website. This leads fans to speculate that the game may release as an exclusive only for the PS4. Aside from the list removal, previous titles of the franchise have yet to make it to the Xbox One. In fact, the backstory title for the upcoming game, "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue," is listed as only available for the PlayStation 4.

However, there are industry followers who also note that the removal of the game may only be a technical glitch. To date, "Kingdom Hearts 3" is still present in the list for pre-orders in the Microsoft Store.

In addition, publisher Square Enix is unlikely to limit the release of "Kingdom Hearts 3," since the Microsoft console spells a good percentage of game players. Instead of being an exclusive, Square Enix may even be targeting an expansion for the "Kingdom Hearts" series. Previously, it is reported that "Kingdom Hearts 3" will launch for the yet-unofficial Nintendo NX system.

As to when can fans expect the new game, it may still be some time before "Kingdom Hearts 3" debuts. Previously, the upcoming title is a no-show at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016. The game is also missing in the list of titles that Square Enix plans to showcase at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2016. With its absence in two major industry events, "Kingdom Hearts 3" is likely to debut towards the latter part of 2017 at the earliest, with its official announcement to occur during the earlier half next year.