Shenmue 3 physical release "unconfirmed"

Shenmue 3 may never end up on store shelves. You've been warned.

Shenmue 3 will be available to purchase digitally for PC and PS4, but at present there's no guarantee the physical version will be on sale outside of crowdfunding.

"Whether Shenmue 3 will be available for retail or not is currently unconfirmed," Ys Net told us via email, in response to a query on the availability of the "Special Backer Edition" after the Kickstarter ends.

The uncertainty of the physical release has become a matter of urgency for series fans on the fence about the project's Kickstarter. A physical release for PS4 is available for pledges of $60 or more, but that's a substantial investment - especially for those uncomfortable with crowdfunding.

Ys Net said any news regarding a potential retail release will be posted on Kickstarter, but did not provide any sort of time frame.

Whether you feel comfortable pledging or not, it looks like the long-awaited sequel is happening; Shenmue has raised over $5 million in crowdfunding. The campaign ends in 39 hours from time of writing.