Digital Game Sales
Ongoing coverage on Digital Game Sales.
Latest coverage
Sony Makes Japanese Players Prove They’re Gamers To Get A PS5 Pro
Sony is implementing a new requirement in Japan for players to prove they have at least 60 hours of gameplay on their PlayStation accounts between September 2024 and September 2026 to be eligible for a PlayStation 5 Pro lottery. This measure aims to prevent scalping and ensure consoles go to genuine gamers, though it has drawn some criticism. The article also briefly mentions Sony's past lawsuit regarding digital game prices and its decision to skip CES 2027.
Weekend Console Download Deals for Sept. 25: Last chance for Nintendo Customer Appreciation
This weekend marks the final opportunity to take advantage of Nintendo's Customer Appreciation Sale, featuring discounts on first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda and Kirby. Additionally, sales are available for PlayStation and Xbox, including titles such as Halo Campaign Evolved, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and various Resident Evil entries.
The disc is dying, but the box isn’t – what will a "physical game" actually mean in 2030?
The definition of a "physical game" is evolving as digital sales grow and disc production declines. While Sony plans to end disc production for PlayStation in 2028, experts suggest the physical box may persist, potentially containing download codes or acting as a collector's item. The value of physical ownership will increasingly depend on rights like lending and resale, rather than the presence of a disc.
63% of new physical games sold this year in the US have been on Nintendo platforms
In the United States, 63% of new physical game sales this year have been on Nintendo platforms, with PlayStation accounting for 32% and Xbox just over 4%. Nintendo's latest financial report indicates that 38.5% of its global software sales are still physical, while digital sales have seen a significant increase.
"It's time to sue Sony": Stop Killing Games joins lawsuit over PlayStation's digital "monopoly" amid death of physical games
Stop Killing Games and DoesItPlay? are supporting a lawsuit in the Netherlands against Sony's alleged digital game sales monopoly on PlayStation. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Stichting Massaschade & Consument, argues that Sony's control over digital sales and the impending end of physical game sales in 2028 will lead to inflated prices and limit consumer choice. This legal action highlights growing concerns about digital consumer rights in the gaming industry.
Nintendo won't abandon cartridges as Switch physical game sales are almost 40%
Nintendo has confirmed that physical game sales still account for a significant 38.5% of its revenue, despite a 90% increase in digital sales for the first quarter of the 2027 fiscal year. This contrasts sharply with Sony, where 82% of PlayStation 4 and 5 game sales are digital. The company's continued reliance on cartridges suggests it will not abandon physical media soon, especially with the upcoming Switch 2.
Sunday Consolidation
The closure of the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 3 has led to a significant increase in the prices of digital games for the console. This event highlights concerns about game preservation and the long-term availability of digital titles on older platforms.
Analytiker: 7 Playstation-spel har sålts i över 100 000 fysiska ex under 2026 i USA
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella shared data indicating that only seven PlayStation games sold over 100,000 physical copies in the US during 2026. This trend, despite fan outcry, likely influences Sony's decision to cease physical releases after 2027, especially considering varying digital access globally.
As GTA 6 abandons discs, analyst reveals physical games sales in the US actually grew for the first time in 17 years
Despite Grand Theft Auto 6's digital-only launch plan, US physical game sales saw a 3% year-on-year increase for the 12 months ending May 2026, marking the first growth since 2009. Analyst Mat Piscatella notes this uptick is likely temporary, with digital sales dominating and consoles increasingly lacking physical drives, suggesting a limited future for physical media.
Are Mobile Games Really Just for Casual Players?
This article, in collaboration with Eneba, challenges the stereotype that mobile games are exclusively for casual players. It highlights the rise of competitive mobile titles, the increasing integration of mobile gaming into broader gaming habits, and the blurring lines between traditional and mobile platforms. The piece also touches on the complexities of digital game sales, such as region locking, and how marketplaces like Eneba aim to provide clarity for all gamers.
Xbox website code suggests Klarna and PayPal Pay Later could be coming to digital game purchases
The Xbox website's code suggests that payment services like Klarna and PayPal Pay Later may be integrated for digital game purchases. This move would allow users to spread the cost of consoles and games, aligning with broader industry trends in payment flexibility.
Screw Amazon's sale, my friend's buying a Switch 2 for Pokemon Pokopia and I sent them straight to this Argos…
A friend is purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2 specifically for the upcoming Pokemon Pokopia, leading to a discussion about the best deals. While Amazon's Spring Sale is active, an Argos bundle offering the console with Mario Kart World and accessories at a competitive price is highlighted as the best immediate option for collection. Pokemon Pokopia is identified as a significant system seller for the console, driving upgrades alongside the growing popularity of cosy gaming.
Sony Decides VTubers May Be the Best Way to Save PS5 in Japan
Sony is leveraging VTubers Kaminari Qpi and Shiranami Ramune in Japan to promote upcoming PlayStation 5 titles like Resident Evil Requiem, NTE: Neverness to Everness, and Pragmata. This strategy aims to boost sales in a region where the PlayStation 5 is currently outsold by the Nintendo Switch, despite Sony's efforts with regional console models.
Silent Hill 2 Remake passes 5m copies sold, so Konami's hosting a big ol' sale on the PlayStation store
The Silent Hill 2 Remake has surpassed five million copies sold worldwide. To celebrate this milestone, Konami is hosting a sale on the PlayStation Store, offering discounts on the remake and other Silent Hill titles. A Silent Hill 1 remake is also reportedly in development by Bloober Team.
Popular 2024 PS5 Action Game 60% Off on PS Store, Lowest Price
A remastered bundle of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 is available at its lowest price on the PlayStation Store, costing $11.99 for PS Plus subscribers until March 26. The bundle celebrates the 25th anniversary of Soul Reaver and includes cross-buy functionality for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.
Pokémon Pokopia boosts Nintendo shares – but what is the secret of its success?
Pokémon Pokopia has become an unexpected success for the Nintendo Switch, boosting Nintendo's share price by 10.5%. Despite initial concerns and supply shortages, the life simulation game has received widespread critical acclaim and is the best-selling title on the eShop. This success is contrasted with Sega's recent struggles, where strong reviews for titles like Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance and Two Point Museum have not translated into high sales, highlighting potential issues with marketing and sales mechanisms.
Pokémon Pokopia's Early Success Causes A Surge In Nintendo's Share Price
Nintendo's share price has surged by approximately 15% following the unexpected early success of Pokémon Pokopia. The game's strong sales, selling out in many US and UK outlets, have positively impacted investor confidence, according to analyst Hideki Yasuda. This surge follows a period of downturn, though the company's share price has not yet reached its 2025 record high.
The Best PS5 Deals This Week: Save On RPGs, Preowned Games, And Accessories - March 11, 2026
This week's PlayStation 5 deals include significant discounts on RPGs like Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, as well as sales on preowned games from GameFly. Several accessories, including headsets and DualSense controllers, are also available at reduced prices, though console bundle stock is limited.
Grab Great Deals On Physical PS5, Xbox Games In GameFly's Preowned Sale
GameFly is currently offering significant discounts on a selection of pre-owned PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X games. Notable deals include Borderlands 4 for $25, The Outer Worlds 2 for $40, and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 for $28. GameFly membership provides additional perks like free shipping.
WOMEN’S DAY SALE ON STEAM RETURNS MARCH 6-15TH, 2026
WINGS announced the return of its annual Women's Day Sale on Steam, running from March 6-15, 2026. The sale features hundreds of indie games from teams led by women and gender-marginalized developers, including discounts on titles like Sticky Business, Overcooked! 2, DREDGE, and SIGNALIS, alongside new demos. This initiative aims to celebrate and recognize the contributions of these developers to the gaming industry.