Video Games – Discs, game cards or downloads?
Hello Fizzers! On July 1, 2026, coincidentally on Canada Day, Sony announced that it would discontinue sales of new PlayStation disc-based games in January 2028, moving exclusively to digital distribution. This move led to a lot of backlash so far this month, with most gamers calling for disc-based games and systems to stay around as an option.
There is an increasing push of digital-only systems over the years. The original PS5 could be purchased with or without a disc drive, while the Slim and Pro systems have the disc drive as an add-on that can be purchased separately. Microsoft has pushed digital-only further with its Xbox One S All-Digital Edition in April 2019, plus the discless Xbox Series S in November 2020. At first, all Series X consoles had a disc drive, but on October 15, 2024, a white "All-Digital" Series X came out. I know some stores that only sell discless Xbox systems, and unlike Sony, Microsoft does not sell disc drives separately. What a pity!
Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch uses game cards, which almost always include the full game on a flash-based cartridge that works on any Switch or Switch 2 systems. Some games offer updates when connected online, but on offline systems, game cards work perfectly. It's just the "download code" game boxes that omit a game card. With the Nintendo Switch 2, however, many games are using a Game-Key Card (GKC) instead of a proper Switch 2 game card. While a normal Switch 2 game card works offline, GKCs require the Internet and Switch 2 storage (internal or microSD Express) to work. Otherwise, no game for you! There are also games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 that only include a demo on the card, with a download required for the full game. Needless to say, GKCs face a lot of backlash.
With all of that said, I'm wondering what you think about Sony's announcement, Nintendo's GKCs being confused with real cards, and Microsoft's stubbornness. Which format do you prefer for your games? Discs, game cards or downloads? I'd also like to hear why you prefer one format over another. Personally, I prefer game cards that include the full game, but I also enjoy discs. I would like to see more stores sell them, as they often have good sales on games. Plus, it's fun to browse the shelves IRL to see which games are available, and to buy one that I like.
Comments
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Hello @BabySpiceFan_UDW7O
Interesting message but I am not very concerned.
Have a nice day1 -
I switch to 100% digital with the PS5 because it was clear the future is all digital (just look at music, movies). I had a huge collection of PS3/PS4 disk games and now I prefer digital, better for remote play, no need to get up to change disk and it take less physical space.
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Microsoft announced 3000 layoffs today in it's gaming division.
It is also renouncing 2 development studios it had previously acquired who will revert to being privately owned.It sounds like the Xbox is on the extinction list.
That will leave Sony and Nintendo.
Looks like the market is consolidating.
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Hi, when I was on 56k I always got it on CD. Early cable internet, on CD and DVD, but I prefer downloading because a disc can get damaged. Now, it's pretty much just downloading.
Video games in general aren't doing well right now.
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I prefer digital.
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I prefer cd and dvd the best for me!
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Digital all the way, it was means to reach this state in the future and the future is now. 😅
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@Shadow20002 said:
Digital all the way, it was means to reach this state in the future and the future is now. 😅I've noticed that it's been a toss-up on the Fizz forum, with some Fizzers preferring digital downloads, while others prefer physical games. 🤷🏼♀️
I like some digital-only games, but I also have many concerns, such as:
- Servers can be unavailable or get hacked. PlayStation servers were hacked in 2011, while both PS and Xbox servers were offline for many hours this month. There are also digital stores for the PSP, Wii, Wii U, DSi and 3DS that are no longer in business.
- Games can cost the same or more than physical games.
- There are fewer digital stores than physical stores, and with gaming consoles, manufacturers (PS, Xbox and Switch) have a de facto monopoly. Even if third parties can sell download codes, they can only be redeemed at the manufacturers' stores.
- Most stores do not allow transferring games from one account (or person) to another.
- If someone has a non-fibre Internet connection, then game downloads can take a long time. On my Xbox Series X, I waited nearly an hour before THPS 1+2 (which I have on disc, but requires a download to fully use the disc) was ready to play! Several discs on Xbox work similarly to Game-Key Cards. I save money with a budget Internet plan, but this means no fibre and slower speeds.
If people want digital games, then I suggest that they check out GOG. It's one of the best ways to buy games and own them. Steam can also be a good option. Otherwise, digital stores in general have a long way to go before the experience becomes comparable to physical games.
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