What you need to know
- Four Xbox games are going multiplatform, with Pentiment also getting a physical release through Limited Run.
- Pre-orders begin today and will be accepted until March 24th.
- Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently discussed physical media and going where gamers are. Using Limited Run to only print copies pre-ordered by fans could be a great step forward for Xbox.
If you haven’t seen our Pentiment review yet, give it a try, or if you fail, give it another chance. I went into this game thinking I was playing a choose-your-own-adventure book, and that made a huge difference. I really loved the time I spent with this game and it left a huge impression on me. This, along with Hi-Fi Rush and Ground, is one of the shining examples of how Game Pass can bring unique experiences to market.
Pemento on Switch cartridge? Yes, please.
Limited Run Games tweeted that Pentiment will be physically released on PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series S|X and Xbox One with Smart Delivery. Pre-orders start today and will run until March 24th.
Step into an illustrated world where Europe is at the crossroads of great religious and political change…Limited Run is a physical version of Pentiment available for pre-order tomorrow on Xbox, Switch, and PS5 I would like to announce something. Wish list now: https://t.co/jaJhXzAGde pic.twitter.com/UNI35spg4qFebruary 21, 2024
If you’d like to get your hands on a copy, you can pre-order on Limited Run Game’s site once pre-orders open at 1pm EST.
I’m considering buying the Switch version. Because I like the idea of being able to get a complete game on a cartridge (hopefully) without DRM or any necessary tampering online.
Does Pentiment show the way forward for Xbox physical gaming?
Phil Spencer said in an interview with Game File earlier this week that he wants to meet gamers where they are, but will continue to provide physical support.
“We support physical media, but there is no need to promote physical media that is disproportionate to customer demand,” Spencer said. “We ship games physically and digitally, but we’re really just following customer behavior. And our job in running Xbox is to do what the vast majority of customers want. We think it’s about delivering what the majority of our customers want right now. Our customers are buying games digitally.”
A great way to promote this effort is to use a service like Limited Run Games and print as many pre-orders as you can fill.
Personally, I think it would be great if Xbox could release each new game in a limited run, with pre-orders that would be fulfilled after release. The game will be included in Game Pass anyway, so there’s no need to get it on day one. Those who want a physical copy can get it. Even better, Xbox is offering a discount on LRG for Game Pass subscribers so they don’t have to pay full price for the physical games they can already play through their subscription.
It will be interesting to see how many more Xbox games hit Limited Run Games in the future. For now, the site does not have a large catalog of games.
Game Pass remains the best value in gaming.
Even if some of your Xbox games make it to PlayStation or Nintendo Switch, you’ll still have to pay full price for those games. Game Pass has confirmed that all Xbox games will launch on Game Pass’s first day.
If you haven’t tried Game Pass yet, or need to add time to your subscription to make the most of the three-year limit, check out the Game Pass deals below.
