Alright gamers, gather 'round, because we've got some serious tea to spill about the upcoming Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. You know, the game we've all been waiting for since Sam Porter Bridges first strapped on that BB pod. The legendary Hideo Kojima dropped a bombshell trailer earlier this month, confirming a June 26, 2026 release on PS5 (yep, we're in the future now, folks!). Pre-orders kicked off on March 17, and with them came the reveal of several editions, including a Collector's Edition that's got the community... well, let's just say they're not exactly connecting. Priced at a whopping $229.99, this premium package is missing one crucial thing that has fans ready to rain chiral crystals all over the place: a physical game disc. That's right, for over two hundred bucks, you get a digital download key. Oof.

So, what does $230 get you? Let's break it down, because the list is actually pretty stacked for a collector:

• Full Game Digital Download (The main point of contention, obviously 😒)

• A fancy Collector’s Box to put on your shelf

• 48-hour Early Access to the game (get a head start on those deliveries!)

• A massive 15” Magellan Man Statue (this thing looks epic)

• A 3” Dollman Figurine for your desk

• A set of Art Cards

• A Handwritten Letter from Hideo Kojima himself (that's pretty cool, ngl)

• A bunch of In-game Items, including everything from the Digital Deluxe Edition

But here's the kicker, the thing that's got everyone up in arms: no physical disc, and no steelbook case. For a box literally called the Collector's Edition, that feels like a massive oversight, doesn't it? It's like buying a premium car and finding out the steering wheel is an extra cost. The comment section on the PlayStation YouTube reveal trailer is basically a digital graveyard for physical media hopes and dreams.

One fan, Slask7, put it perfectly: they'd rather get the standard edition because it "comes with the single most important thing: physical media of the game." And honestly? Mood. Another user, label828, lamented, "We’re witnessing the death of physical media in real time." It's a sentiment echoing through the community. For many, a collector's edition is the ultimate way to show love for a game—a tangible shrine. The disc and its steelbook casing are often the centerpiece of that shrine. Taking that away feels... hollow, like you're paying for the packaging but not the soul of the product.

Look, I get it. The industry is shifting. Digital is convenient, saves shelf space, and hey, maybe it's better for the environment or whatever. But for the hardcore fans—the ones willing to drop $230—this move kinda stings. It sends a message that the act of collecting the game itself isn't valued. You're collecting the stuff around the game. And while a 15-inch Magellan statue is undeniably awesome, it's not the same as holding the actual game in your hands, slotting that disc into your console, and hearing that sweet, sweet startup whirr.

Is this the definitive "death of physical media"? Maybe, maybe not. But it's a significant crack in the foundation. Kojima Productions has always been about artistry and detail, so this omission is particularly puzzling. The standard and digital deluxe editions of Death Stranding 2 will have physical disc options available for purchase separately, which makes this decision even more confusing. Why force your most dedicated supporters to buy the game twice if they want both the collectibles and a disc? That's a tough pill to swallow, fam.

So, what's the verdict? The Collector's Edition is undoubtedly packed with goodies that will make any Die-Hardman fan swoon. The early access, the statues, the Kojima letter—it's a premium experience. But for a significant portion of the community, the lack of a disc is a bridge too far. It's a reminder of a changing landscape, one where ownership feels increasingly digital and temporary. Whether the other rewards are enough to justify the price tag is a personal journey every fan will have to make. But one thing's for sure: the conversation about what we truly value in a "collector's" item is now wide open, and it's a delivery Sam himself might find tricky to navigate.

TL;DR for the porters in a hurry:

• Game: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Release: June 26, 2026 on PS5

• Collector's Edition Price: $229.99 USD

• The Big Issue: No physical game disc or steelbook case included.

• Fan Reaction: Major disappointment, with many calling it a sign of the "death of physical media."

• The Silver Lining: Packed with other cool physical collectibles and 48-hour early access.

The choice is yours, but choose wisely. Keep on keeping on! 👍