After nearly four months of waiting, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 finally has an in-sim Marketplace. Simmers will now be able to browse, purchase, and manage add-ons directly within the simulator, with new features like Simverse Coins, upgrade options for older content, and a revamped library system. While some anticipated features are still on the way, this marks a major step forward in bringing third-party content into MSFS 2024.
Manage your content in My Library
One of the major features of the MSFS 2024 Marketplace is the My Library system, which allows users to track and manage their purchased content. Thousands of items from the MSFS 2020 Marketplace have been ported into MSFS 2024, though they are disabled by default to give users full control over which add-ons to activate. The only content that is enabled automatically is that which is sold directly by Microsoft and Asobo.
Content in My Library is categorized into three states based on feedback from the original creators:
- Not Creator Approved: Either tested by the creator and found incompatible or awaiting confirmation of compatibility.
- Not Available: Items owned in MSFS 2020 that have not been successfully ported to MSFS 2024 and are currently inaccessible.
- No Tag: Content confirmed by the creator to be fully compatible with MSFS 2024.
Additionally, a separate creator sign-off process exists for items that developers wish to sell in the MSFS 2024 Marketplace.
Marketplace Features: Simverse Coins and Upgrades
A key introduction in the new Marketplace is Simverse Coins, a virtual currency that can be used to purchase content. Users can buy Simverse Coins directly within the Marketplace or from select retailers if they are using the Windows Store or Xbox versions of the simulator. However, Simverse Coins purchased at retail cannot be used on the Steam version of the game.
Users can toggle between seeing prices in Simverse Coins or their local currency and select their preferred payment method at checkout. If a user does not own Simverse Coins, pricing will default to showing only local currency amounts.
Upgrades for MSFS 2020 Content
Microsoft says that a significant number of add-ons originally developed for MSFS 2020 have been ported to MSFS 2024 and will be available for purchase. These products will be marked with an MSFS 2020 logo on their thumbnails to indicate that they were not developed natively for MSFS 2024.
Developers have the option to optimize their MSFS 2020 content for MSFS 2024 by offering upgrades. These upgrades can either be free or come with an additional cost. All upgraded content will be designated as “Upgraded” in the Marketplace, and users who own an item that qualifies for a free upgrade will receive a notification in the simulator linking them directly to the Marketplace page.
Upcoming Features: Rentals and Gifting
While the Marketplace now provides access to a vast selection of content, some highly anticipated features, such as renting and gifting, are not yet available. Microsoft plans to introduce these features in Sim Update 2, scheduled for April 2025.
Known Issues
As with any new system, there are a few known issues that Microsoft has acknowledged:
- Free 2024 upgrades for ported 2020 content must be obtained manually in the Marketplace rather than being automatically granted.
- Third-party add-ons are not yet available in the Marketplace, though Microsoft is actively working with developers to integrate their content.
- Users may experience crashes when accessing the Wallet tab in the Marketplace.
The launch of the MSFS 2024 Marketplace represents a major step forward for the platform, having been missing since MSFS 2024 was released nearly four months ago. With new payment methods, better content control, and upcoming rental and gifting options, the Marketplace is set to evolve further in the coming months, offering new opportunities for simmers to explore fresh content. As always, we’ll keep you updated as the Marketplace improves and gains long-awaited features. Stay tuned!
