Gears of War: Reloaded physical version may release for PS5 and PC, but not Xbox consoles

Gaming may be moving toward an all-digital reality, but some platforms are advancing faster than others. The Gears of War: Reloaded release date is August 26th on multiple platforms. A Spanish retailer has added physical versions for the PC and PS5, but the listings exclude Xbox consoles. The third-person shooter series was originally an Xbox exclusive, and its developer remains part of Xbox Game Studios. Even so, Microsoft console owners may have the fewest buying choices.

Buyers have reasons to be hopeful that an Xbox disc version may still arrive. GAME España only received notification about PC and PS5 physical releases, but more updates could be forthcoming. Also, Gears of War: Reloaded for Xbox consoles may be digital-only on a region-specific basis. Finally, the fact that a physical PC version is an option casts doubt on the listings. Discs for PC titles are rare, but boxes with download codes are more common in Spain.

As sales of Xbox consoles wane, owners of the system feel increasingly ignored. Former Microsoft exclusives like Forza Horizon 5 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are now available on the PS5. With no waiting period, PlayStation gamers can play Gears of War: Reloaded on day one. Microsoft is focusing on multi-platform publishing and subscription services like Game Pass. As a result, there is less reason to opt for an Xbox Series X over alternatives.

After price increases, gamers still interested in an Xbox console also have to pay more. Yet, Microsoft hasn't abandoned all future hardware plans. Photos of the Project Kennan handheld, a collaboration between Microsoft and Asus, have leaked. Rumors indicate another Windows-based portable system or a Series X successor by 2028. Still, considering recent trends, it's questionable if any new Xbox console will support physical media.