Borderlands 4’s $150 Collector’s Edition Sparks Backlash for Missing the Actual Game

Just weeks ahead of launch, Borderlands 4 is facing another controversy, this time over its Collector’s Edition bundle. Fans are expressing frustration after discovering that the high-priced $150 ECHO-4 Bundle doesn’t actually include a playable copy of the game. Despite excitement surrounding the latest installment in the looter-shooter franchise, this marketing misstep has reignited criticism of Gearbox’s pricing strategies.

The uproar began when the Collector's Edition, priced at $149.99, was listed without a copy of the game itself. Many players assumed it was an oversight, but Gearbox later clarified that the package in question was not the official Collector's Edition but a separate merchandise bundle called the ECHO-4 Bundle. Regardless of the clarification, the fact remains that fans must spend $150 on merchandise and purchase the game separately, adding to the frustration over the game's perceived cost.

Borderlands 4 Pricing Woes Continue

This isn't the first time Borderlands 4 has faced scrutiny over its pricing. Earlier, rumors swirled about a potential $80 price tag for the base game. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford’s remarks that “true fans will make it work” only fueled the backlash. Although the company later confirmed a standard $70 price point, the damage was already done in the minds of many fans.

Now, with the ECHO-4 Bundle not including the actual game, comparisons are being drawn to other recent industry missteps. Last year’s Avowed Steelbook Edition faced similar criticism for lacking a physical game disc, and this pattern of selling premium editions without the game itself is wearing thin with the gaming community.

What’s in the ECHO-4 Bundle?

The ECHO-4 Bundle offers collectibles such as a detailed ECHO-4 figurine, a cloth map of Kairos, and four double-sided art prints. While these items are visually appealing, many fans argue that a Collector’s Edition priced at $150 should include the main product—the game.

Additional Concerns: Switch 2 Delay and No Sales Soon

Adding to the controversy, Pitchford also hinted that Borderlands 4 might not see discounts for a long time after launch. Furthermore, players on Nintendo Switch 2 will have to wait nearly a month after other platforms to get their hands on the game, further alienating a portion of the fanbase.

As the release date approaches, Gearbox’s communication missteps and pricing decisions are keeping Borderlands 4 in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Whether these concerns will impact its sales remains to be seen, but the community has made its displeasure known.