Digital Downloads
Ongoing coverage on Digital Downloads.
Latest coverage
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director defends its physical disk still needing a download: 'We didn't want to…
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi defended the decision to require a digital download for the physical disc version, stating it was necessary to avoid compromising game fidelity. While acknowledging the importance of physical media, he explained that using standard disc sizes would have necessitated cuts to the game's quality. The article also touches on broader industry concerns about the shift towards digital-only releases and the potential impact on pricing and the second-hand market.
Games Inbox: Will you play the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake or GTA 6 first?
Readers discuss the potential simultaneous release of a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and Grand Theft Auto 6, debating which game they would play first. Other topics include concerns about digital downloads, the perceived lack of appeal for Gears of War: E-Day, and the reliability of user reviews compared to professional critiques.
Sony has rolled back its State of Play record-low savings on two major PS5 Collector Editions for a limited time
Sony has brought back limited-time savings on the Death Stranding 2 On the Beach and Ghost of Yotei Collector's Editions for PlayStation 5, offering $100 off each. Notably, these editions include digital game downloads rather than physical copies, with the sale ending on August 10, 2026.
GAME administrators blame digital games and Brexit for downfall
UK video game retailer GAME has entered administration for the second time, accumulating nearly £16 million in debt. Administrators cite a shift to digital downloads, Brexit uncertainty, and increased competition as primary factors in the company's decline. The report also notes the lack of major console releases since 2020 and global chip shortages as contributing issues.
Japanese Nintendo eShop releases for July 23, 2026
Nintendo has updated the Japanese eShop release schedule for the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 for the week of July 23, 2026. The list includes new retail and download titles such as Splatoon Raiders, Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster, and Memory of Memoire: A Chill Story.
And So It Begins! Go Back To Where It All Started as Renowned Classic Culdcept BEGINS Hits Digital Download on Nintendo® Switch™2 / Nintendo® Switch™ Today
Clear River Games and Neos Corporation announced that the cult classic Culdcept BEGINS is now available for digital download on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. This entry in the Culdcept series, a fusion of card and board game mechanics, marks the first new installment in a decade and features over 400 cards, single-player story mode, and online versus multiplayer.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – July 5, 2026 – Star Fox leads again
The Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of July 5, 2026, show Star Fox leading for the second consecutive week. Cyberpunk 2077 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are also performing well due to ongoing sales. Moonlight Peaks is making a strong debut, ranking sixth overall and first on the download-only list.
'I got a disc drive for my PS5 Pro just for this' — GTA 6 fans disappointed with the lack of physical edition disc aren't alone, as some retailers have dropped the game from sale completely
Rockstar Games has confirmed that physical editions of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a disc, instead containing only a digital download code. This decision has disappointed fans, some of whom purchased disc drives for their consoles specifically for this game. Several retailers, including VGP and Loot Box Gaming, have announced they will not sell the game due to their commitment to supporting physical media.
PS5 Shipments Total 93.7 Million Worldwide, Sony Increasing “Next-Gen Platform” Investments
Sony announced that PlayStation 5 shipments have reached 93.7 million worldwide, with 1.5 million units shipped in the last quarter. The company is increasing investments in next-generation platforms, despite a year-on-year decrease in PS5 shipments and software sales. PlayStation Network boasts 125 million monthly active users, and digital downloads now account for 85 percent of full-game software sales.
Japanese Nintendo eShop releases for April 23, 2026
Nintendo has updated the Japanese eShop release schedule for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 for the week of April 23, 2026. Upcoming digital releases include Kingdom’s Return: Time-Eating Fruit and the Ancient Monster, Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth, and MotoGP 26. Several retail titles are also listed, such as Castle of Shikigami 3 and Elminage Original.
