After weeks of heated debate and a flurry of online drama, the price for the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 has finally been unveiled by publisher 2K Games. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the game will launch with a $69.99 price tag for its standard edition, dispelling rumors that it might cost $80 like some other recent AAA titles.
The announcement came on June 16, 2025, when pre-orders for Borderlands 4 went live. The game is scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, arriving nearly two weeks earlier than initially planned. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store, with a later release for the Nintendo Switch 2 within the same year.
For those looking for more than just the base game, 2K is offering two additional editions. The Deluxe Edition, priced at $99.99, includes extra cosmetic items and post-launch downloadable content (DLC). Meanwhile, the Super Deluxe Edition costs $129.99 and bundles everything from the Deluxe Edition along with access to future Story Packs, which will introduce new playable vault hunters. Pre-ordering any edition also grants the Gilded Glory Pack, featuring a Vault Hunter skin, a weapon skin, and a unique skin for the new Echo-4 Drone. Players who miss the pre-order window can still purchase this pack later.
The pricing saga began in May 2025, when Gearbox Software's CEO Randy Pitchford revealed that Borderlands 4 had "more than twice" the budget of its predecessor, Borderlands 3. This revelation sparked speculation about whether the game would carry a higher price tag, especially after Nintendo's announcement that select Nintendo Switch 2 titles would retail for $80.
Pitchford first addressed the topic at PAX East on May 9, 2025, telling fans that a price announcement was imminent but that he didn't know what it would be. Despite this uncertainty, he assured players the game would be worth the cost. However, things took a controversial turn on May 20, when a fan questioned him on social media about the possibility of an $80 price. Pitchford replied, "If you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen," referencing a time he paid $80 for the Sega Genesis game Starflight back in 1991.
This comment was met with backlash, as many fans felt alienated by the implication that true fandom required financial sacrifice. Pitchford later acknowledged the misstep, stating he did not intend to sound like an "asshole" and followed up with a lengthy 573-word apology on social media. He clarified that his intent was to express confidence in the game's value rather than to create division among fans.
With the official price now confirmed at $69.99 for the standard edition, the controversy has largely subsided. Pitchford himself took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the news, declaring, "No price increase for Borderlands 4. Standard Edition launches not at $80, but at $69.99! They’re showing you, so please show them." His enthusiasm highlights the team's excitement for the launch, with Pitchford calling Borderlands 4 "the best entry point for new players while also being a heartfelt love letter to fans of the original games."
In addition to the pricing reveal, fans are eagerly anticipating Borderlands Fan Fest, scheduled for June 21, 2025. During this event, the creators plan to showcase new gameplay footage and release a story-focused trailer. The festivities will be streamed live on the official Borderlands Twitch channel at 3:30 p.m. EDT, promising fresh insights into what players can expect from the latest installment.
The pricing debate surrounding Borderlands 4 reflects broader tensions in the gaming industry. The announcement of $80 price tags for some Nintendo Switch 2 games has stirred discussions about the sustainability of AAA game pricing as development costs soar. Pitchford touched on this during his PAX East remarks, noting the competitive marketplace and the challenges of balancing rising budgets, tariffs on retail packaging, and consumer price sensitivity.
Despite these pressures, Borderlands 4's pricing aligns with the current standard for major releases, which typically hover around $70. This positioning may prove advantageous in attracting a wider audience, especially given the backlash against higher price points. Whether this will influence other publishers' pricing strategies remains to be seen, but for now, Borderlands fans can look forward to a new adventure without the burden of an $80 price tag.
Borderlands 4's release on September 12 will mark a significant moment for the franchise, promising a rich RPG and FPS experience on multiple platforms. With its staggered release including the Nintendo Switch 2 later in the year, the game aims to capture both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
As the countdown to launch continues, the Borderlands community can focus on what truly matters: the gameplay, the story, and the unique charm that has defined the series for years. And with the price settled, the only remaining question is how the game itself will live up to the hype.
