Xbox Series X|S physical game distributors are apparently shipping covers upside down, according to a new report.
Twitter/X users BirdDogGaming, statesminds and thompson_buddy shared photographs of Xbox Series X|S physical game cases with upside down covers and the disc being located on the right instead of the left side. This is likely due to a packaging error, and flipping over the paper slip inside should bring it back to the way it ought to be.
Xbox Series X|S Regular vs Inverted Physical Game Covers Comparison
A comparison between the regular (top) and new inverted (bottom) physical game covers for Xbox Series X|S can be seen below.
Meanwhile, the Twitter/X handle for Canadian retailer PNP Games mentioned that it has started to receive physical Xbox Series X|S games from official distributors with no shrink wrap and just a paper seal. According to them, this will be the way Microsoft will ship physical copies heading into 2027. The retailer added that Microsoft threatened to enforce these plans earlier this year, and that the former actually cancelled a pending reprint because the console maker said up front it wouldn’t contain any wrapping.
In related news, Microsoft recently posted a job listing for the position of Games Supply Strategist on its careers website, outlining responsibilities that include coordinating the launch of physical Xbox games across all platforms. The role fell under the company’s Xbox Supply Chain team and focused on managing the supply, distribution, and sales of games throughout their product lifecycles.
According to the job description, the successful candidate would develop global supply strategies, oversee inventory positioning, and coordinate with teams responsible for marketing, finance, manufacturing, engineering, and sales. The role would also involve ensuring that physical games reach the appropriate sales channels while meeting the company’s cost, profitability, and service objectives. While the listing didn’t confirm Microsoft’s long-term plans for physical Xbox games, the mention of coordinating launches and managing global supply strategies indicated that the company continues to account for physical releases in its business planning.
