Borderlands 4 Pricing Draws Backlash as Gearbox Responds to $80 Concerns

Borderlands 4 Pricing Sparks Debate Following Gearbox and Take-Two Statements The announcement of Borderlands 4 has stirred notable discussion across the gaming industry, not only for its hotly anticipated gameplay but also due to its potential $80 price point—matching last year’s premium Mario Kart World release.

Developed by the veteran team at Gearbox Software and published by Take-Two Interactive, Borderlands 4 is slated for a September 12, 2025 launch on most major platforms, with fans closely watching for an eventual release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The pricing controversy came to a head after Gearbox founder Randy Pitchford addressed the subject directly on social media.

In response to a fan’s question about whether loyal Borderlands supporters should accept an $80 price tag, Pitchford referenced his own experience as a fan, stating that real enthusiasts "find a way," recalling how he managed to secure a copy of Starflight on the Sega Genesis back in 1991.

According to coverage from IGN, this remark quickly drew criticism from fans, many of whom expressed frustration and disappointment, seeing the response as dismissive to concerns about game affordability. Adding to the conversation, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick commented that he would not rule out premier pricing for major releases, noting that "people would be willing to pay for the very best." Despite ongoing fan debate, Take-Two has yet to finalize the official Borderlands 4 price.

The game’s listing on various retailers remains TBA regarding its MSRP. While a Borderlands 4 Nintendo Switch 2 release date has not yet been confirmed, Pitchford’s participation in a recent Creator's Voice feature praised Nintendo's upcoming hardware as "very powerful," signaling Gearbox's continued support for the platform.

With the Switch 2 expected to bring enhanced performance and next-generation features to Nintendo’s hybrid ecosystem, anticipation is running high for the kinds of experiences Borderlands 4—and other AAA games—will deliver. As of now, Borderlands 4 is confirmed for release on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms on September 12, 2025.

Gearbox Software, renowned for its successful Borderlands franchise, continues to widen its audience as it explores future support for emerging consoles like the Switch 2.

Both fans and industry analysts will be watching closely as Take-Two and Gearbox finalize their pricing and release strategies in the coming months.

Borderlands 4 Borderlands Gearbox Gearbox Software Randy Pitchford Nintendo Switch 2 Take-Two Starflight IGN Sega Genesis Strauss Zelnick