System Shock PS5 And Xbox Series X Physical Edition Will Cost Less Than Expected

System Shock, one of last year's sleeper hit games on PC, is making its debut on PlayStation and Xbox consoles on May 21. Physical preorders for PS5 and Xbox Series X went live earlier this month at Amazon for $50, but now the price has dropped to $40, which matches the list price for the PC version. Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop are selling System Shock preorders for $40.

System Shock remake console preorders

• PS5 -- $40
• Xbox Series X -- $40

Developed by Nightdive Studios, this remake of System Shock is a fascinating blend of the old-school gameplay of the '90s filtered through a modern design lens. It has the same aesthetics as the original, but developer Looking Glass Studios had access to Unreal Engine software. Anyone who played the original System Shock will be at home with this remake, as this version of the game will awaken some nostalgic muscle memory with its emphasis on stealth, inventory management, and keeping a low profile when dealing with homicidal cyborgs guided by a malevolent AI.

System Shock had a storied development cycle, as Nightdive Studios began work on the project in 2015. A successful Kickstarter campaign raised over $1.3 million for the game in 2016, but several delays, a switch from Unity to Unreal Engine 4, and a complete overhaul of the gameplay to make it more faithful to the original followed that success. The game even has the original voice of SHODAN, the killer AI looking to turn you into a meat-puppet, reprising her role for an added touch of authenticity.

Finally arriving on PC in 2023, the remake received positive critical acclaim for retaining the spirit of the source material while giving it a nuanced sense of modernization. "Thanks to its remake, we can point to System Shock, almost 20 years after its release, and recognize that it has always been an incredible game, rightfully deserving its place in video game history," Jean-Luc Seipke wrote in GameSpot's feature on the best PC games of 2023.

If you have a PC capable of running it--the game is also playable on Steam Deck--System Shock is available for only $22 during Fanatical's Spring Sale. That's nearly 50% off its $40 list price on PC. Plus, you'll get a free game for spending over $12 during the sale.