Don’t Nod Entertainment, the studio behind several narrative adventure games such as Life is Strange (2015), Life is Strange 2 (2018) ,and Tell Me Why (2020), released their latest title, Aphelion, this past April. Aphelion’s initial release did come with a catch, however: the game was only available for digital download. These digital editions are on PlayStation 5, Steam (for Windows users), and Xbox Series X and Series S.

As of July 16, 2026, this is no longer the case. Physical game disc enthusiasts can now purchase Aphelion: Pioneer Edition at all participating retailers. Aside from a game disc, the special edition bundle includes a physical European Space Agency (ESA) sticker with the in game mission, “Hope-01,” printed on it. Additional digital bonus items are included in the Pioneer Edition, such as “Space Pioneer and Space Hero suits,” “backpack keychains and stickers” to decorate characters’ backpacks, the digital soundtrack, and the digital art book. There will be no updates or changes to gameplay in the Pioneer Edition, and it will not be released on all platforms the original game was. Instead, Aphelion: Pioneer Edition is a PlayStation 5 exclusive.

Developed by Don’t Nod in conjunction with the real life European Space Agency, Aphelion follows the story of two astronauts (Ariane and Thomas) who have been sent on a mission to a newly discovered ninth planet in our solar system called Persephone. It is explained that “by 2060, Earth will be uninhabitable.” Persephone is “located at the edge of the solar system, [and] is humanity’s best hope” at survival, hence the mission name: “Hope-01.” Beginning with a crash landing, the mission seems to be going wrong from the start.

In this “cinematic third-person action-adventure,” players are “stranded and isolated” as they explore the “uncharted, frozen world” of Persephone. They must “traverse stunning alien landscapes, avoid lurking threats, and discover the haunting secrets buried beneath the ice,” all while trying to “find each other”, “survive the truly unknown,” and “complete the mission.” Overall, Aphelion has only sold a speculated 10,000 copies across all platforms, with mostly “mixed” Steam ratings. Despite recent financial trouble, several fans of Don’t Nod Entertainment are optimistic that this release will boost sales and improve ratings for Aphelion.