Microsoft to release The Outer Worlds 2 and other Xbox games on discs, after backtracking on $80 prices

Recently, Microsoft decided against charging $80 for some first-party games, including The Outer Worlds 2. Another common complaint from gamers was the publisher's increasing reliance on digital releases.

Following the June Xbox Games Showcase, buyers found few physical options for the announced titles for pre-order. Microsoft seems to have changed course, offering disc versions of Obsidian's action-RPG and Ninja Gaiden 4.

Wario64 on social media first noticed that the Canadian retailer, PNP Games, had new listings for upcoming Xbox games. Buyers can now pre-order Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2 with discs and download codes. Since these are Deluxe or Premium versions, the DLC is likely in digital form. While the box art still says "Digital Game Code", covers often change before release dates.

Unfortunately, the cheapest Standard Editions for the titles aren't available at physical stores. Also, it's unclear how much data, if any, will actually be on the discs. In one example, Doom: The Dark Ages needs approximately an 85GB download before it becomes playable. Many PS5 games are the same, but first-party PlayStation releases typically ship on physical media.

Opponents of digital Xbox games may remain disgruntled. Nevertheless, one key advantage is the ability to buy and resell used copies. Nintendo is also trying to ease its supporters into the new era of gaming with Game-Key Cards. Although these Switch 2 games depend on servers for installation, owners can use them on multiple consoles.

When Oblivion Remastered debuts on the Xbox Series X|S in October, a physical version will also be an option. However, other first-party Xbox titles may not follow the example of The Outer Worlds 2 or Ninja Gaiden 4. Currently, Gears of War: Reloaded appears to be exclusively digital for Xbox fans. Regardless, despite some compromises, the industry is quickly moving away from discs and cartridges.