Limited Run Games - Bringing Digital Worlds To Life Physically
Have you ever thought about how some of your favorite video games, especially the ones you download, might just disappear one day? It’s a pretty interesting thought, isn’t it? Well, there’s a company that’s been doing something quite special to help make sure that doesn’t happen. They’re called Limited Run Games, and they've made it their mission, in a way, to give digital titles a lasting home in the physical world.
This American business, which first started up in 2015, has really carved out a unique spot for itself. What they do, you see, is produce and sell actual, physical versions of games that were originally only available as downloads. It's a bit like taking a song you stream and putting it on a record, giving it a tangible presence you can hold and cherish, so to speak.
From their beginnings, they’ve worked with a whole bunch of different game creators and other companies to bring these special editions to life. And, you know, they’ve even become part of a bigger entertainment group, Embracer Group, back in 2022. So, they’re quite a significant player in this unique corner of the gaming scene, actually.
Table of Contents
- The Story Behind Limited Run Games
- Why Do Physical Games Still Matter to Limited Run Games?
- What Kinds of Games Does Limited Run Games Offer?
- Getting Your Hands on Limited Run Games
- How Does Limited Run Games Handle Compatibility and Issues?
- What About Those Classic Limited Run Games?
- Looking Ahead with Limited Run Games
- A Quick Look at Limited Run Games
The Story Behind Limited Run Games
Limited Run Games, you know, came into being in 2015. It was started by two folks, Josh Fairhurst and Douglas Bogart, right there in Apex, North Carolina. Their big idea, in a way, was born from a straightforward desire: they wanted to keep video games safe in their physical form. They really aimed to make sure that cool titles wouldn't just vanish into thin air, which can happen with digital-only releases, you see. It's a pretty thoughtful goal, if you ask me.
This American business quickly grew from that simple beginning. They started putting out games from all sorts of different creative people and other companies they partnered with. It was clear pretty early on that they were filling a need for people who truly loved having something real to hold onto. And then, in 2022, they joined up with a larger entertainment family, the Embracer Group. So, they’re now part of a much bigger picture, which is interesting.
The company basically operates as a publisher and an online store. They’re all about those physical copies of video games, covering a really wide range of systems, everything from the older NES machines right up to the Nintendo Switch. It’s quite a spread of console generations they touch, truly. They’ve got a distinct way of doing things, specializing in these special, limited releases, which makes each one feel a bit like a collector’s item, you know?
Why Do Physical Games Still Matter to Limited Run Games?
So, why bother with physical games in a world where downloads are so common? Well, for Limited Run Games, it really comes down to keeping things around for a long time. They want to make sure that games, especially those that might otherwise only exist as lines of code on a server, don't just disappear. It's a bit like having a library of books you can always go back to, even if the digital versions stop being available, or something like that.
Think about it: digital games can, in some respects, be quite fragile. If a storefront closes, or if a company decides to pull a game, it can be gone forever, just like that. Limited Run Games works to prevent this. They give these games a tangible presence, a disc or a cartridge you can put on a shelf. This means you own a piece of gaming history, rather than just a temporary license to play, which is pretty neat.
They truly believe in the idea of game preservation. It’s not just about selling things; it’s about making sure that the art and fun of these games can be experienced by people for years and years to come. It’s a commitment to the longevity of gaming culture, in a way. And that’s a pretty good reason to do what they do, if you ask me.
What Kinds of Games Does Limited Run Games Offer?
When it comes to the games themselves, Limited Run Games really offers a wide variety. They’ve got titles from all sorts of game makers and other companies they work with. For instance, they've shown off a lineup with more than twenty different games for systems like the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and other platforms. This includes some pretty well-known names like "Beyond Good & Evil" and some "Star Wars" experiences, too, which is quite exciting for fans.
They’re also quite known for bringing back older, beloved games in a new physical form. They’ve announced physical versions of true classics, things like "Tomba! 2," a special "Beyond Good and Evil 20th Anniversary Edition," and even "Fear Effect." It’s like digging through a treasure chest of past gaming joys and making them available again, you know? They even showed off some brand new games, including some fighting titles, which keeps things fresh.
They even have a special group of people whose job it is to make sure certain games can run well on different systems. This "porting team," as it were, helps bring some of these older or less common games to a wider audience. So, it's not just about putting a game on a disc; sometimes, it involves quite a bit of technical work to get it ready for modern systems, too, which is really something.
You know, they also put out things like "Bubsy in The Purrfect Collection," which was put together by their own Carbon Engine team. This collection, believe it or not, brings together eight of the classic "Bubsy" games. It also includes some interesting extra bits and interviews, giving fans a deeper look into those games. It’s pretty comprehensive, actually, for anyone who enjoys that particular character.
Getting Your Hands on Limited Run Games
If you’re looking to pick up some of these special games, you’ll find that Limited Run Games has made it pretty straightforward. You can, for instance, shop for a wide selection of their items at Target. It’s pretty convenient, as you can choose from options like same-day delivery, or you can even drive up and pick up your order. And, you know, if your order is over thirty-five dollars, you usually get free shipping, which is a nice perk, too.
They also operate as an online seller directly, so you can often find their releases on their own website. This is where many of their very limited edition items are sold, often in timed windows or small batches. It means you have to be a little quick sometimes, but it’s part of what makes collecting their games feel special, like you’re getting something truly unique, in a way.
The whole process is designed to be quite accessible for folks who want to get their hands on these physical treasures. Whether it’s through a big retailer or directly from their online presence, they try to make it easy for people to add these unique gaming pieces to their personal collections. It’s pretty simple, actually, to find what you might be looking for.
How Does Limited Run Games Handle Compatibility and Issues?
Sometimes, things don't always go perfectly, and Limited Run Games has had to deal with a few bumps along the way. For example, they recently asked Nintendo to temporarily take down the "Gex Trilogy" from the Switch 2 eShop. The reason, you see, was that it wasn't quite working right on the Switch 2 system at that moment. They’ve noted that about twelve of their previously released titles also had similar issues, which is something they’re working through.
They also work to make sure their games play well on newer systems. For instance, a number of Limited Run titles are now fully compatible with the Switch 2, following a recent software update, version 20.1.5. This means that if you’ve got one of these games, it should now work smoothly on the newer console. It’s good to know they’re keeping up with system changes, really.
There have been a few moments where customers have raised concerns, too. One customer, for instance, mentioned that some NES cartridges they bought from Limited Run Games might, in some cases, cause problems for consoles. It’s something that gets talked about, you know, when you’re dealing with older hardware and new reproductions. However, it’s worth pointing out that not everyone has had these sorts of issues.
On a more positive note, some folks have had really good experiences with their sales events. One person shared that they had a smooth time with the 2023 blowout sale. They ordered two Switch games on January 2nd, and the package was sent out just eight days later, on January 10th. So, while there can be challenges, it seems they also manage to deliver pretty well for many customers, too, which is what you hope for.
What About Those Classic Limited Run Games?
Limited Run Games has a real knack for bringing back classic games, and they often do this through their "Carbon Engine" team. This group is quite good at making older titles playable on newer systems. A great example of their work is the "Bubsy in The Purrfect Collection," which, as mentioned, includes eight of those classic "Bubsy" games. It’s a pretty comprehensive package for fans of that particular character, with extra bits like interviews and artifacts, too.
They’re also working with other companies to revive beloved titles. For instance, Limited Run Games and Konami are teaming up to add another game to the Carbon Engine rereleases. This new addition is "The Tower of Fortune and the Dice," which is pretty exciting for people who enjoy those older-style games. It shows they’re constantly looking for more classics to bring back to life in a physical way, you know?
Their focus on these older games is a big part of their identity. They understand that many people have fond memories of these titles and want to own them in a lasting format. So, they put in the effort to make that happen, whether it’s through their own teams or by working with original game creators. It’s a true dedication to gaming history, in a way, that really sets them apart.
Looking Ahead with Limited Run Games
Looking to the future, Limited Run Games continues to have some interesting things on the horizon. For instance, at PAX East 2025, they confirmed something pretty important for collectors: any numbered release they put out for the Switch 2 will actually contain the full game right there on the cartridge. This is a big deal for many collectors who want to be sure they’re getting a complete experience without needing extra downloads, which is pretty reassuring.
They’re also bringing out physical versions of some highly anticipated games. You can expect to see physical copies of "Senua's Sacrifice" for the Switch and "Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II" for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. These are set to come out around May 26, 2025, which is something many players are really looking forward to. It shows they’re not just looking back at classics, but also forward to newer, popular titles.
Their showcases often give us a peek at what’s coming next. They’ve shown off some new games, including some fighting titles, which suggests they’re always expanding their offerings. It’s clear they have a good eye for what gamers want, whether it’s a blast from the past or a more recent hit. So, there’s always something new to keep an eye out for from them, you know?
A Quick Look at Limited Run Games
So, to quickly recap some of the things we’ve talked about regarding Limited Run Games, they’re a company that makes physical copies of games that started out as digital downloads. They were started in 2015 by Josh Fairhurst and Douglas Bogart, with a goal to keep games from disappearing. They’ve put out a lot of different titles from various game makers and partners.
You can find their items at places like Target, and they also sell directly online. They’ve been involved in bringing back many older games, sometimes using their own Carbon Engine team, and they also work to make sure their games are compatible with newer systems. They've even had a few situations where they've had to pull games temporarily from digital stores to sort out issues.
They’re also looking ahead, with plans for new physical releases of popular games and a commitment to having full games on their Switch 2 cartridges. It’s pretty clear they’re a key player in the world of game collecting and preservation, offering a unique service for those who truly value having a physical piece of their favorite games.
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