In recent time, the questionable number of titles that are releasing without a physical release at Xbox continues to grow. The larger trend is the amount of games that offer a steelbook without a disc in the box. The past half year we saw this with both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 as well Avowed from Xbox Game Studios. However, this has been foreseen for some time now.
Last year, it was reported that its internal retail division was shuttered that sparked the conversation. This was then followed by retailers like Wal-Mart & Best Buy reducing its game offerings for Xbox also. However, distributors like Limited Run Games are carrying forward Xbox physical for games like Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, and the most recent reveal for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II also.
And as Microsoft continues to issue more titles for its consumers, the ground is shrinking under said games receiving physical versions. The most recent example spans across three new games – Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Gears of War: Reloaded. The first being published by Xbox Game Studios while the latter two are first-party projects: all are available for PlayStation 5 for physical sale.
However, the Xbox versions are the elephant in the room. While there are provided ‘Deluxe Editions’ for Ninja Gaiden 4 & The Outer Worlds 2, it is offered by the extent of a digital code in box. And Gears of War: Reloaded is not even available physically for Xbox. Distributor Video Games Plus in a X post confirmed it will not be carrying the Xbox versions due to the code in box.
“VGP will not be carrying the Xbox Deluxe versions.” The firm did go on to confirm that for PlayStation 5 – at least on behalf of Gears of War: Reloaded – the PlayStation 5 version is available on disc. Noted, it is still undetermined if its is full loaded or simply a boot disc. Video Games Plus as well as Limited Run Games shares commitments to game preservation through physical means.
On the matter of the Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key topic, both confirmed that respected runs from both distributors will be fully on the cartridge. Howbeit being their decision, it could be changed based on the publisher’s discretion. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you surprised by this ongoing trend for Xbox?
