Digital Games
Ongoing coverage on Digital Games.
Latest coverage
Nintendo reveals Japan’s best-selling digital games for June 2026
Nintendo has released the top-selling digital games for June 2026 on the Japanese Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch eShops. Star Fox led the charts for the Nintendo Switch 2, while Powerful Pro Baseball topped the list for the standard Nintendo Switch. The data includes a variety of new releases and popular franchises.
Games Inbox: Giving up consoles because of PS5 going digital-only
Readers discuss Sony's potential shift to an all-digital PlayStation 5, with concerns about game ownership, pricing, and accessibility for those with poor internet. Some readers are considering switching to PC or Nintendo, while others see digital as a convenient and inevitable evolution, provided consumer rights are protected.
‘You've become the villain you mocked’ - PS5 fans slam Sony over classic video
Fans are criticizing Sony's shift away from physical PlayStation 5 game releases, drawing parallels to a 2013 instructional video where Sony championed game sharing against Microsoft's policies. The article highlights user comments expressing resentment over Sony's current digital-only direction, contrasting it with past marketing. Former PlayStation executives Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes are mentioned as having departed the company.
'I will quit buying games' — Sony is killing physical discs in 2028 and now unhappy fans are concerned about what it means for game ownership
Sony plans to cease production of physical game discs by January 2028, a decision that has sparked significant backlash from PlayStation fans concerned about game ownership. Many users expressed that this move effectively turns game purchases into mere licenses and are considering boycotting future PlayStation consoles, including the anticipated PlayStation 6, which is speculated to launch without a disc drive.
PlayStation’s Digital-Only Future Makes Sony’s Dynamic Pricing Harder To Ignore
With Sony ending disc production for PlayStation 5 games in 2028, the company's recent implementation of dynamic pricing on the PlayStation Store becomes more concerning. This model adjusts game prices based on factors like user habits and location, leading to significant price discrepancies for titles like Stellar Blade and Astro Bot. The shift to an all-digital future, coupled with dynamic pricing, raises concerns about potential cost increases and unpredictable pricing for consumers.
Report: Xbox is testing a feature to digitize physical games
Xbox is reportedly testing a new feature that would allow players to digitize their physical game collections for Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles. This disc-to-digital functionality would grant a digital entitlement tied to the physical disc, enabling streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming or access on PC for compatible titles. The feature is currently in internal testing, and its inclusion in future consoles is undecided, amidst Sony's announced pivot away from physical discs for PlayStation software by 2028.
Nintendo Download – July 2, 2026 (North America) – Rhythm Heaven Groove, Moonlight Peaks, more
The North American Nintendo Download for July 2, 2026, features new releases on the Nintendo eShop, including Rhythm Heaven Groove and Moonlight Peaks. Sales on digital games and DLC for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems are also available. Additionally, Mario Kart World received a free update with new rallies, and Tetris 99 is hosting its 55th Maximus Cup event with a Star Fox theme.
Xbox might be following PlayStation's lead, as new reports claim Microsoft is testing a new disc-to-digital game feature called 'Positron', and the next-gen Project Helix console won't have a disc drive
New reports suggest Microsoft is testing a 'Positron' feature allowing Xbox users to convert physical game discs to digital formats for Xbox One and Xbox Series X. Concurrently, a next-generation console codenamed 'Project Helix' is rumored to launch without a disc drive, mirroring Sony's move away from physical media.
Games Inbox: Why is Sony going digital-only with the PS5?
Readers express concern over Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to transition the PlayStation 5 to digital-only by January 2028, fearing the loss of physical media, resale value, and the impact on businesses like CeX. The move is seen as a step towards a future where consumers 'own nothing,' with some readers vowing to switch to Xbox or focus on retro gaming.
Xbox is reportedly considering dropping disc drives as it tests new feature that lets players digitize physical games
Xbox is reportedly exploring the possibility of removing disc drives from future consoles, similar to PlayStation's reported plans. Microsoft is testing a feature that would allow players to digitize their physical game collections for use on disc-less devices, though access may be revoked if the disc is shared or sold. This move could impact the playability of older Xbox titles.
Xbox is reportedly testing a feature to digitize physical game collections as PlayStation decides to phase out discs
Xbox is reportedly testing a "Disc to Digital" feature that would allow users to convert their physical game collection into digital entitlements. This comes as PlayStation plans to phase out disc-based games by 2028, and other publishers like Take-Two are opting for digital-only releases, signaling a significant shift in the industry away from physical media.
Next-Gen Xbox May Not Have Disc Drive, Disc-To-Digital Feature Coming, Reports Say
Reports suggest Microsoft's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, may omit a disc drive, following similar trends from Sony. Microsoft is reportedly testing a "disc-to-digital" feature that would allow users to convert physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S discs into digital entitlements tied to their Microsoft account.
Weekend Console Download Deals for June 26: Nintendo Summer Sale
Nintendo has launched its largest summer sale of the year, featuring discounts on numerous first-party titles for the Nintendo Switch, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. PlayStation and Xbox platforms also have various ongoing digital sales with significant price reductions on a wide range of games.
This PlayStation Gift Card deal is your best tool to fight back against the GTA 6 prices, but not for US fans
Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch at $79.99 for the standard PlayStation 5 edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition, with pre-orders starting June 25. A deal offers a £70 PlayStation Gift Card for £60.85 in the UK, providing a small saving towards the game's cost, though the physical edition will be a download code.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – June 6, 2026 – Tomodachi Life clears again
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of June 6, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top position. Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen debuted at #9, while Mina the Hollower dropped out of the top ten. The article also lists the top 30 overall games and top 30 download-only games.
Nintendo Download – May 14, 2026 (North America) – Outbound, Sektori, Smalland, more
The North American Nintendo Download for the week of May 14, 2026, features new releases on the Nintendo eShop including Outbound, Sektori, and Smalland: Survive the Wilds. The Pokémon Champions game is also running a new season until June 16, offering rewards like Gengar and its Mega Stone. Additionally, Nintendo is highlighting various eShop sales for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Time Games' opening lineup includes a fantasy prediction market game
Time has launched Time Games, a new free-to-play digital games section optimized for mobile and desktop. The lineup includes classic titles like Sudoku and Word Search, alongside proprietary games such as Market Movers, a fantasy prediction market game powered by real-time data. Time Games aims to build a daily habit with its audience by offering playful and engaging experiences.
Xbox’s Project Saluki is Game Pass for China, Positron is Disc-to-Digital Ownership Transfer – Rumor
Rumors suggest Xbox is developing 'Project Saluki' for the Chinese market, a version of Game Pass tailored to local regulations and featuring microtransactions. Additionally, 'Positron' is reportedly a new feature allowing digital ownership transfer for physical game copies, signaling a potential push towards digital-only consoles and services.
"The industry wants people to think this is a demand for eternal server support ... it isn't" - E3 owner and Stop Killing Games clash over Californian games bill
The proposed California consumer protection law AB 1921, which would mandate offline versions or refunds for digital games when online services cease, is facing industry opposition from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Consumer group Stop Killing Games argues the bill is a reasonable request for basic end-of-life protections, not an unreasonable demand for eternal server support. The ESA claims the bill could stifle innovation and force developers to maintain old systems instead of creating new content.
"Our players are going to be pretty psyched": Hasbro CEO talks D&D, video games, and playing to win
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks discusses the company's strategy for its intellectual properties, particularly Dungeons & Dragons, emphasizing a 'Playing to Win' approach that focuses on innovative experiences and engaging adult fans. Cocks highlights the success of Baldur's Gate 3 as an example of adapting D&D for digital platforms and expresses excitement for upcoming digital titles like Exodus, a 'D&D in space' inspired RPG.
