Death Stranding 2 and the Forgotten Era of Collector’s Editions

Death Stranding 2’s Nostalgic Return to the Golden Era of Collector’s Editions

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, released on PlayStation 5 on June 24, is Hideo Kojima’s latest work, which many anticipate will be a top game contender for 2025. Like its predecessor, the game explores themes of connection. Its Collector’s Edition similarly bridges temporal eras, offering a tangible link to gaming’s past. Players accustomed to the digital age may find it challenging to recall a time when high-profile game launches frequently included Collector’s Editions packed with unique physical items and in-game extras. Nowadays, the focus has largely shifted towards digital content. Throughout the PlayStation 4 and current PlayStation 5 generations, the prevalence of robust physical collector’s editions has significantly decreased due to the rise of digital formats. While not a complete return to the peak of collectible abundance, this shift reflects PlayStation’s ongoing effort to balance digital accessibility and profitability. PlayStation has released a limited number of collector’s editions during the PS5 era. Death Stranding 2’s arrival, given the increasing rarity of such offerings, evokes a sense of nostalgia for a past “golden age” of collecting. This “golden age” refers to editions that allowed fans to deepen their engagement with new releases, unlike subsequent collector’s sets that lacked physical discs.

Death Stranding 2’s Collector’s Edition Revives Golden Era of Physical Releases with Unique Items

The Collector’s Edition of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach effectively captures this essence, aligning with Hideo Kojima’s unique philosophical approach. While in-game perks and pre-order unlocks have become standard across the last two generations, this edition notably includes physical items. Art Cards provide a bonus for devoted fans, and a card penned by Hideo Kojima offers a thoughtful memento for those seeking a deeper connection with the renowned Japanese creator. The Dollman figure and Manneken Pis statue are key differentiators of Death Stranding 2’s Collector’s Edition. These highly coveted figures are not only exclusive to this edition but also uphold a tradition associated with collector’s editions from the “golden age” of physical releases. They also serve as a nostalgic callback to an era when game companies ventured to feature previously unknown characters, transforming them into sought-after collectibles. The inclusion of mysterious character statues encouraged fans to invest in higher-priced editions. These collectors trusted that the characters’ significance would become clear, making their investment worthwhile.

For Death Stranding 2, Kojima opted not to focus on established characters like Fragile or Sam. Instead, he took a creative risk by introducing Dollman and Manneken Pis, who captivated fans in the game’s trailers. This creative choice fostered anticipation among collectors eager to acquire these unique figures for their collections. Such enthusiasm has become rare today, a stark contrast to gaming’s “golden age,” an era now challenged by the focus on digital formats. While PlayStation has offered similar collector-focused editions, such as those for Horizon Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarök, the Death Stranding 2 Collector’s Edition prioritizes these unique figures, generally including digital game access instead of a physical disc. PlayStation is not alone in this approach; Capcom, for example, also provides collector’s editions for its Resident Evil series that include statues and physical disc versions. However, as the PS5 increasingly favors digital game releases, acquiring physical collector’s items can present a challenge for dedicated collectors. These unique moments of collecting merit celebration, bridging the gap between gaming’s past and present.

In Case You Missed It

For all you gaming enthusiasts out there, be sure to check out our latest article “EA Sports FC 25 is Top Seller in Portugal, 2025” by Bruno Pferd, published on July 21, 2025. It delves into the surprising success of EA Sports FC 25 as the top-selling game not just in Europe but also specifically in Portugal for the first half of this year, according to GfK data. Dive into the details and see where your favorite games rank EA Sports FC 25 is Top Seller in Portugal, 2025. If you’re a fan of the intricate worlds and deep narratives crafted by Hideo Kojima, be sure to dive into “【SPOILERS】YouTuber Provides Best Summary of Death Stranding 2’s Entire Story” by Bruno Pferd (July 21, 2025). This insightful piece highlights Lucas Scalon’s million-subscriber YouTuber analysis of the latest installment in the Death Stranding saga. Discover how Sam navigates a post-apocalyptic world where every decision has far-reaching consequences, and explore the game’s expansive open-world environments filled with new challenges and breathtaking vistas. Check it out here 【SPOILERS】YouTuber Provides Best Summary of Death Stranding 2’s Entire Story! If you’re a fan of narrative-driven RPGs and are eager to see how developers continue to push the boundaries of storytelling in gaming, be sure to check out Ahmed Hassan’s latest piece on “The Witcher 4: A Decision Set to Unite Players Unanimously” (published July 20, 2025). In this insightful article, he explores CD Projekt Red’s dedication to delivering a game rich in quality narrative rather than filler content. With promises of an even stronger focus on player choice and deep storytelling, The Witcher 4 aims to uphold the series’ legacy while setting a new standard for RPGs. Dive into the details The Witcher 4: A Decision Set to Unite Players Unanimously!

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Carlos Mendoza

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