Gearbox Software’s Borderlands 4 has vault hunters buzzing with anticipation, but a newly surfaced GameStop exclusive collector’s bundle has left fans scratching their heads—and for good reason. The "$150 ECHO-4 Bundle," marketed as a premium collectible, appears to lack the most critical component: the game.
Discovered earlier this week, the GameStop-exclusive Borderlands 4 ECHO-4 Bundle promises a trove of loot for franchise devotees. According to the product page, the $150 set includes a detailed "Psycho Bandit" statue, an ECHO device replica, a Vault Key keychain, concept art cards, and a "Claptrap’s Secret Stash" storage box. Absent, however, is any mention of the Borderlands 4 base game—a glaring omission for a "Collector’s Edition" priced above standard AAA releases.
Industry watchdogs were quick to flag the anomaly. Tech blog GSMGoTech confirmed the oversight, noting that while the ECHO-4 Bundle dazzles with physical extras, it explicitly excludes the game disc or digital download code. This positions the bundle as a standalone collectible, requiring fans to purchase Borderlands 4 separately—a move that’s drawn criticism across social media.
"$150 for a box of goodies without the game feels like a slap in the face," tweeted longtime fan @VaultHunterPrime. "Either include the game or call it a ‘Collector’s Item Bundle’—not an ‘Edition.’"
Neither Gearbox nor 2K Games has commented on the bundle’s structure, but analysts speculate it may signal a broader shift toward decoupling premium physical merchandise from game releases. Similar strategies have seen mixed results, like CD Projekt Red’s standalone Cyberpunk 2077 collector’s items.
For now, vault hunters eyeing the ECHO-4 Bundle should note: you’ll need to budget extra for the actual game. Borderlands 4’s standard edition is rumored to launch at $70–$80, pushing the total cost of "completion" beyond $220.
Pre-orders for the bundle are live at GameStop ahead of Borderlands 4’s unannounced release window. Whether Gearbox addresses the confusion remains to be seen—but in the Borderlands, one thing’s certain: always check the fine print before pulling the trigger.
Update: GameStop’s product description now includes a disclaimer: "Borderlands 4 game sold separately."
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