The highly anticipated survival horror game Cronos: The New Dawn from Bloober Team is making waves with its unique approach to physical releases. While the game will be available digitally across all major platforms, its physical distribution strategy reveals interesting insights about the evolving gaming industry.

Following their success with Silent Hill 2 remake, Polish developer Bloober Team has established itself as a major player in the horror genre. Their upcoming title Cronos: The New Dawn, a third-person survival horror experience, is set to launch on September 5, 2025 across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms.

The game's physical release strategy varies significantly by platform:

• PlayStation 5: Will receive a true physical edition with game data on the disc
• Switch 2: Physical version will be a Game-Key card containing only a license
• Xbox Series X/S: No physical release planned at all

This approach reflects broader industry trends as developers navigate the transition from physical to digital distribution. The PS5 remains the last bastion for complete physical releases, while Nintendo's Game-Key cards represent a hybrid solution that still offers collectors something tangible, albeit without actual game data.

Bloober Team's strategy with Cronos: The New Dawn mirrors a growing pattern in the industry. Many developers now prioritize digital releases while offering limited physical options, particularly on PlayStation platforms. The emergence of Nintendo's Game-Key cards this generation has created a new middle ground, though it remains controversial among physical media enthusiasts.

The game will launch alongside other major horror titles in September 2025, including Konami's Silent Hill f, making it an exciting month for fans of the genre. All versions of Cronos: The New Dawn are currently available for pre-order, with physical editions including bonus in-game content and collectible stickers.