Outer Worlds 2 Costs $80, PS5 Gets Exclusive Physical Versions

Set to become Xbox's first $80 release, The Outer Worlds 2 will surprisingly only receive physical editions for PlayStation 5. Continue reading for insights into Xbox's new pricing structure and their strategic shift toward an all-digital future.

The Outer Worlds 2's Pricing and Physical Edition Strategy

Xbox's First-Ever $80 Game Launch

Multiple online store listings confirm The Outer Worlds 2 as Xbox's debut $80 game, with the Standard Edition priced at $79.99. The Premium Edition, available for $99.99, includes bonus in-game content, upcoming story expansions, and five-day early access privileges.

This pricing adjustment aligns with Microsoft's May 1 announcement regarding increased product costs. According to the official statement, Xbox has revised recommended retail pricing for consoles and controllers, with first-party games transitioning to $79.99 beginning this holiday season.

"We recognize these adjustments present challenges and were carefully considered in response to market conditions and rising development expenses. Moving forward, we remain committed to expanding gameplay accessibility across devices while delivering exceptional value to our community," Xbox clarified in their announcement.

Despite advance notice, players continue expressing frustration over escalating prices across the gaming industry. Nintendo recently launched Switch 2 alongside Mario Kart World as their first $80 title, while PlayStation implemented PS5 price increases across European, Australian, and New Zealand markets last April. As industry giants navigate this inflationary trend, consumers ultimately bear the financial impact.

The Outer Worlds 2's showcase during June 8's Xbox Games Showcase demonstrated Obsidian Entertainment's ambitious vision for their acclaimed sci-fi FPS sequel. However, Xbox's revised pricing approach may influence the title's reception upon release.

PS5-Exclusive Physical Releases

Xbox appears fully committed to digital distribution, as The Outer Worlds 2 will ship without physical discs. Similar treatment applies to Gears of War: Reloaded and Ninja Gaiden 4, though digital pre-orders for these titles are already live.

Notably, these Xbox first-party exclusives will receive physical PS5 editions. While Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed abandoning physical media for future releases, last month's DOOM: The Dark Ages launch with an 85 MB game disc sparked intense community discussion about the company's direction.

Time will reveal whether Xbox's digital-focused strategy resonates with players. Meanwhile, fans anticipate The Outer Worlds 2's continuation of the series' signature corporate satire while drawing inspiration from Obsidian's beloved RPG masterpiece, Fallout: New Vegas.

The Outer Worlds 2 launches October 29 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. For ongoing updates, explore our comprehensive coverage below!