For Microsoft, game preservation has remained a tentpole focus in terms of Xbox recently. In one internal memo from Microsoft Gaming president Sarah Bond, she expressed a new push for this effort is underway for the platform. This comes at a time where Microsoft reportedly shuttered its own physical retail division earlier in 2024.

So far, titles from Microsoft appears to be playing to the same tune. For instance, the release of Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga launched only with a digital version on the Xbox Store. And it is anticipated more titles could fall in that category this year and further. In November, Xbox is set to release Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on both PC & console.

In a new development from a new listing for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, a new version of the game shares the same digital-only connotation that other titles held this year already. For the ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Edition’, the $129.99 bundle includes a jumbo steelbook without the physical disc. Instead, a digital code is included alongside the added content part of the bundle.

“Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Premium Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 25 additional aircraft and 10 additional handcrafted international airports,” the Best Buy listing reads. The Premium Deluxe SteelBook Edition contains the Jumbo SteelBook case, custom pilot’s lanyard with digital game code, and a message from the developer.

And, this is not the first time we’ve witnessed Microsoft offer this incentive. In fact, it was almost a decade ago that the Xbox firm offered the same for Halo 5: Guardians upon its release then. Either in the Limited Edition or the Xbox One 1TB Console – Limited Edition Halo 5: Guardians Bundle, a jumbo steelbook is included with only the digital code. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you shocked by this new discovery for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 ships on November 19, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S & PC.