Borderlands 4 ECHO-4 Bundle Collectors Edition listed for $150 without one key component

Much to everyone (and Randy Pitchford's) relief, Borderlands 4 will not cost $80 at launch, at least not the Standard Edition. But you have to dish out $129.99 for the Super Deluxe Edition that includes all the pre-launch content. What if you're a hardcore Borderlands fan and want some physical merch for your collection. That's where the $150 ECHO-4 Bundle comes in. However, that's about all you'll get. Merch.

A copy of Borderlands 4 is not included with the ECHO-4 Bundle. Instead, you get a map of planet Kairos, an 8-inch ECHO-4 figurine with LED lights, a necklace, four art pieces, and five Golden Keys for in-game items. Essentially, you might have to spend up to $280 if you want a complete Borderlands 4 experience as an enthusiast.

This is the first time in a while a Collector's Edition is shipping with a copy of the game. One might argue it is better off that way because it allows people to play Borderlands 4 at launch without worrying about the Collectors Edition arriving by mail. And it doesn't tie itself to any single platform.

Still, it sets a bad precedent for future offerings because publishers have been steadily axing important components such as a physical disk and Steelbook. Randy Pitchford earlier drew some flak for implying "real fans" would have no qualms paying $80 for Borderlands 4, and it'll be interesting to see how he defends this somewhat puzzling decision.