This fan-favorite action game is finally getting a physical release on Xbox, PS5 — here's the release date for preorders of its limited run

As buying new games digitally has rapidly become the most popular way to get them over the course of the last decade, it's gradually become less and less common to see titles — especially smaller indie-style projects — get physical releases.

Sometimes, however, there's enough strong demand for physical copies of a game that its developers end up making some available post-launch, or work with a third party to do so. And as it turns out, that's precisely what's happening with a fan-favorite 2023 action title.

The game in question is Hi-Fi Rush, a high-octane action-adventure from Tango Gameworks in which you bash and smash your way through legions of megacorp-controlled robots by timing your actions with the rhythm of the game's soundtrack. Though it didn't launch with a physical release, it's now getting one thanks to a collaboration between publisher Krafton and the physical game manufacturer Limited Run Games.

Limited Run Games revealed its upcoming physical editions of Hi-Fi Rush on Sunday morning, announcing that there are both Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions and that they'll become available to preorder on January 16, with preorders closing on March 1. According to the publisher's website, they're then expected to ship between the start of July and the end of September.

There will be three physical editions of Hi-Fi Rush available. The first is the $39.99 Rhythm Edition, which includes the base game, the extra cosmetics from the Deluxe Edition, and three additional DLC costume packs.

Then there's the $69.99 Smidge Edition, which features everything from the Rhythm Edition along with a three-disc soundtrack and a box that looks just like Smidge, the fridge robot from the game.

Last but certainly not least is the $174.99 Project Armstrong Edition, which comes with everything from the other editions plus a special Collector's Edition-style box, a hardcover artbook, an 8-inch 808 plush, a 6-inch replica of protagonist Chai's guitar, Chai's Project Armstrong pass, a glow in the dark MP3 player pin, and an individually numbered certificate of authenticity that represents your purchase of this special edition.

A big Hi-Fi Rush encore it absolutely deserves

Hi-Fi Rush was one of the boldest and brightest game releases in recent memory, with developer Tango Gameworks branching out from horror titles like The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo to make something completely different and unique, even compared to other rhythm games.

Thus, it's very exciting to see it finally getting its physical release (we knew Limited Run was working on it a long time ago, but heard little about it until now). It's also nice to see some positive news for the game and Tango Gameworks in general; in 2024, Microsoft infamously closed three Xbox developers, including Tango. PUBG publisher Krafton acquired it a few months later, saving it from closure.

It's unclear what's next for Hi-Fi Rush and Tango Gameworks — it's been said that there are plans to "explore future projects" with the property — but I'm happy that this colorful action game is getting a fresh wave of celebration with these physical editions, and I hope Limited Run is able to make enough of them for everyone who wants one. Its games typically don't come back in stock once they sell out, though, so make sure to preorder as soon as you can if that's you.

Presently, Hi-Fi Rush is available digitally for $29.99 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Ally, Windows PC (Steam, Epic Games, Xbox on PC), and PS5. You can also play it across all Xbox platforms with Xbox Game Pass.

Are you planning on getting a physical copy of Hi-Fi Rush once they're available to preorder? If so, which edition are you picking up? Let me know in the comments.

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