Lost Words: Beyond the Page is set to launch this Spring, and it’s slated to have a physical release in stores; but the weird thing is—the box won’t contain a game cartridge.
As per publisher Modus Games—the same publisher as indie JRPG Cris Tales—they will be releasing a ‘code-in-box’ product for the Nintendo Switch. That means that the box won’t contain a game cartridge, but a code in which to download the game. Here’s the announcement:
Lost Words: Beyond the Page for Nintendo Switch is coming to physical retail this Spring as a Switch code-in-box product! Check your local retailer for pre-order details. pic.twitter.com/2S1X9sfCfv
— Modus Games (@Modus_Games) February 10, 2021
Commenters responding to the announcement post are confused by the decision to sell what is basically an empty box. Commenters also cited what seems like a waste of resources, and contemplated on whether it would have been more convenient to get the game in the digital store. If anything, it would have been more convenient to just get the game in the digital store.
While these kinds of releases are few and far between, this is not the first instance of the code-in-box release. Obsidian’s Outer Worlds has also recently gone this way for their physical release on the Switch. Many do admit that physical copies, while not for everyone, are still sought after by a select few. (Saving up on digital storage and resale value being the top reasons.)
No solid release date has been announced for Lost Words: Beyond the Page, but the game is expected to launch for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC sometime this Spring. See more games to launch this year in our list of Upcoming Switch Games.