Rumors about a forthcoming physical edition of Cyberpunk for the latest gaming consoles have gathered momentum, thanks to a leak online. Dutch retailer Coolshop added weight to these speculations, listing a version of the game for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. If the date on this listing – 30 November 2023 – is accurate, gamers could be celebrating the festive season with a physical copy of Cyberpunk.
Notably, pre-orders for this potential release stand at €45,95 in The Netherlands. Although the listing primarily targets the Dutch market, a global release wouldn’t be surprising given the game’s global appeal and past release patterns.
An ‘Ultimate Cyberpunk Edition’ in the pipeline?
Beyond the retail leak, there has been another clue hinting at the new edition. Earlier in the month, an online PEGI rating for what’s being called the ‘Ultimate Edition’ of Cyberpunk appeared. This version of the game secured an 18 rating. Although the listing vanished shortly after, it carried a placeholder release date: 31 December 2023. This timeline fueled speculations that it might be a physical release packaged with the Phantom Liberty DLC.
This conjecture ties in neatly with recent statements from the game director, Gabe Amatangelo, who declared there would be no more significant updates for Cyberpunk. Instead, the studio’s focus seems to have shifted towards a Cyberpunk sequel.
Further cementing these leaks and speculations, Michał Nowakowski, CD Projekt Red’s Chief Commercial Officer, confirmed the development of a new edition of the game earlier this month. While he didn’t specify the name or format, he did hint at a distinct approach for this new Cyberpunk 2077 edition, differing from their strategy with The Witcher 3. Given these developments, a physical edition by the year’s end seems plausible.
Learning from past oversights
After the release of Phantom Liberty, Cyberpunk 2077 can be considered complete in terms of content. Although the game will continue receiving support due to its immense popularity, no major content updates are on the horizon.
CD Projekt Red is already channeling its energies into forthcoming projects, taking forward lessons from the Cyberpunk 2077 release. One such project that’s attracting attention is the next Witcher title, codenamed Polaris. Colin Walder, the Engineering Director at CD Projekt Red, emphasized the importance of these lessons, particularly in planning and execution.
Addressing the challenges faced during the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, Walder pointed out changes in their approach. He underscored the significance of flexibility in adjusting schedules rather than pushing the team into undue pressure situations. Moreover, he stressed the need for early testing, especially on consoles, to identify and rectify bugs, ensuring a smoother game release. Such practices, Walder believes, will not only enhance the game quality but also foster trust and morale within the team.
Conclusion
The gaming community is abuzz with the expectation of a physical Cyberpunk edition for the latest consoles. While nothing is confirmed, multiple online leaks and statements from CD Projekt Red suggest that a new edition, possibly an ‘Ultimate Edition,’ could grace the market soon. As the gaming giant moves ahead, it’s evident that they’re keen on evolving, learning from past experiences, and refining their strategies for upcoming projects like Polaris. All in all, the future seems promising for CD Projekt Red enthusiasts.
