UPDATE: We listed the wrong platforms for the game’s North American release. This has now been corrected.

Sega have announced they will launch a physical edition of Phantasy Star Online 2 in Japan. In addition, the date of the North American Closed Beta test has been announced.

The “Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode 6 Deluxe Package” contains numerous bonuses for players- the cost essentially being for those bonuses as the game is Free-To-Play. These Bonuses include

• 12 ARK Red Badges
• PS02 Main Theme Ver 7 In-Game Music Disc
• Ep 6 Package Poster Room Decoration
• 626 “Et & Ph” Lobby Action
• Martial Warehouse Use for 15 Days x 2
• Premium Set 15 Days x 2
• 1 Million Experience x 10
• EX Triboost + 200%
• Grace Special Ability 4 Point Set. Strike & PP /3, Shooting & PP / 3, Law & PP /3, and HP & PP / 3.
• Consumable Color Change Pass x 1, and Aesthetic Free Pass x 1.

The ARK Red Badges can also be exchanged for the new Monochrome costume and parts. It is not clear whether this can only be obtained through the physical editions, or if everyone with Red Badges can acquire the set.

On Nintendo Switch, the game is called Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud: Episode 6 Deluxe Package- as the game is cloud-based on that console. The game is also digital only in Nintendo Switch, and the box provides the codes for additional codes for the aforementioned bonuses.

In addition, the Limited Edition will also include a real life Class Pin Badge [Etoile] in “Limited color”, and an illustrated box drawn by “PSO2” artwork team.

The basic physical editions will retail for 4,990 yen, while the limited editions will retail for 5,990 yen (excluding tax in both cases).

Meanwhile, Microsoft announced the date for the North American Closed Beta Test on Xbox One.

• Starts: Friday, February 7th, 5 PM (PST)
• Ends: Saturday, February 8th, 11:59 PM (PST)
• Official Website: Opens Friday, February 7th, 10 AM (PST)

Players can preload the game starting from February 3rd. In addition, the schedule for the “Urgent Quests” were revealed- timed raid bosses for up to 11 players.

February 7th Quests

• 8 to 8:30 p.m. PST – Cradle of Darkness
• 10 to 10:30 p.m. PST – Giant Automata: The Awakening

February 8th Quests

• 7 to 7:30 a.m. PST – Cradle of Darkness
• 1 to 1:30 p.m. PST – Giant Automata: The Awakening
• 5 to 5:30 p.m. PST – Cradle of Darkness
• 8:30 to 9 p.m. PST – The Raging Obsidian Arm
• 9 to 9:30 p.m. PST – Elder of the Unfathomable Abyss

Those who participate in the closed beta will earn special rewards. These include rewards immediately given, and Special Rewards given once the game launches.

Immediate Rewards

• First Login – Photon Halo B (Accessory) and Beauty Salon Free Pass (Consumable)
• Daily Rewards – EXP Boost +50% (x3), Rare Drop Boost +50% (x3), Meseta Boost +50% (x3) (Consumables)

Special Rewards

• Complete 1 Urgent Quest – Photon Halo C (Accessory), Triboost +100% (Consumable)
• Complete 2 Urgent Quests – Photon Halo A (Accessory), Triboost +100% (Consumable)
• Complete 3 Urgent Quests – Mag Dreamcast (Evolution Device), Triboost +100% (Consumable)
• Complete 4 Urgent Quests – Coated Edge (Weapon Camo), Triboost +100% (x10) (Consumable)

Finally, an in-game concert by Quna will happen during the Beta test. Taking place on the Ship’s Shopping Plaza from 8:00 p.m. PST to 8:15, the concert will give players a buff (“Rare Drop Rate Increase, Meseta Drop Rate Increase, and Experience Points Rate Increase”) after hearing the songs Our Fighting and Eternal Encore.

Players can sign up to the closed beta via the Xbox Insider Hub on Windows 10 or Xbox One.

Phantasy Star Online 2 is out now on Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch in Japan. It will release in North America on Windows PC, and Xbox One in Spring 2020.