Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
[Let’s Talk] Do you prefer Mario Kart World or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
This article discusses player preferences between Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the newer Mario Kart World, which launched at an $80 price point and received mixed reactions despite Nintendo's ongoing updates. It also includes reader comments on their purchasing habits regarding physical versus digital game copies for the Nintendo Switch.
The full Blood of Dawnwalker game will be released on disc, Bandai Namco and Rebel Wolves confirm
Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco have confirmed that The Blood of Dawnwalker will be released on disc with the full game data included. Director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz stated the game will come to disc, and publisher Bandai Namco clarified that the entire game will be present, with a day-one patch recommended. This confirmation comes amid discussions about the future of physical media in gaming, particularly following Sony's plans to cease PlayStation disc production by 2028.
Marvel's Wolverine Trailer Flooded With Comments as Physical Disc Backlash Against PlayStation Continues
A new trailer for Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine has been met with negative comments from fans upset by Sony's decision to stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games. The backlash highlights ongoing player dissatisfaction with the shift away from physical media.
As PlayStation declares nobody wants physical discs anymore, Gen Z is helping fuel a 16% surge in US music CD sales
Despite PlayStation's move away from physical discs, CD sales in the US have seen a 16% surge, driven by Gen Z and Millennials who view CDs as affordable collectibles. This trend highlights a growing appreciation for physical media and direct artist support, contrasting with the predominantly digital game sales market where similar benefits of ownership and collectibility still hold value.
This PC Gamer Is Making His Own Physical Steam Games, One Expensive Cartridge At A Time
A PC gamer has created custom physical "cartridges" for their Steam games using SSDs and a custom script, allowing for a plug-and-play experience. This project revives the idea of physical media for PC games, which has largely been replaced by digital distribution. The creator has shared their code for others to use, though they note it may require adjustments for different systems.
'You know who isn’t the hero? The killer of physical' — Angry PlayStation fans are flocking to the…
PlayStation fans are expressing strong disapproval of Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to end physical disc production starting in 2028. This sentiment is evident in the comment section of the latest Marvel's Wolverine trailer, with many users vowing to purchase physical copies of the game. Despite significant fan backlash and a petition with over 326,000 signatures, analysts suggest Sony is unlikely to reverse its decision due to the profitability of digital sales.
New Wolverine PlayStation 5 Trailer Plagued By Comments About Discs
Sony Interactive Entertainment released a new trailer for Insomniac Games' PlayStation 5 exclusive, Marvel's Wolverine. Despite the trailer's exciting content, the comments section has been dominated by player criticism regarding Sony's discontinuation of disc production for PlayStation consoles, overshadowing discussions about the game itself.
GameStop CEO says Sony's axing of physical games 'doesn't matter at all' in a statement sure to…
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that Sony's decision to end physical game production for PlayStation titles from 2028 is 'totally irrelevant' to the company. He noted that physical and digital games only account for 18% of GameStop's revenue, with collectibles making up the majority of their business. This stance comes amidst consumer backlash over the move away from physical media and concerns about digital ownership.
The new Marvel's Wolverine cinematic trailer has been swarmed by PlayStation fans still angry at Sony ditching discs
A newly released cinematic trailer for Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine has been inundated with comments from PlayStation fans expressing anger over Sony's decision to phase out physical disc media. Despite the trailer showcasing new gameplay elements and characters like Lady Deathstrike and Sabretooth, the comment sections on YouTube and X are dominated by criticism of Sony's move towards digital-only distribution, with many drawing parallels to Wolverine's struggle to protect a physical photo in the trailer.
New PC tech can turn your digital games into physical cartridges
New PC technology called Kazeta allows users to convert digital PC games into physical cartridges, addressing concerns about digital ownership. While Sony is phasing out physical PlayStation games, independent projects like Kazeta and a Reddit user's Steam game cartridge system offer alternatives. Microsoft is reportedly exploring a feature to convert physical games to digital for future consoles.
Games Inbox: Are you playing EA Sports FC more because of the World Cup?
Readers discuss their current engagement with EA Sports FC, with some playing less due to the lack of an official World Cup license and the team's performance. Other topics include potential Grand Theft Auto 6 boycotts, Xbox's mobile gaming strategy, the future of console design, and the impact of industry layoffs on studios like id Software.
Mortal Shell 2’s Limited Physical Edition Sells Out on PS5
The physical "Revered Edition" of Mortal Shell 2 for PlayStation 5 has sold out due to high demand, exceeding publisher Playstack's expectations. While a limited supply issue, the sell-out highlights continued consumer interest in physical game releases. The game is set to launch on August 20th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
GameStop CEO Says Physical Games Media “is Totally, Totally Irrelevant”
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical game media is "totally, totally irrelevant" to the company's business model, shifting focus to trading card games. This comes as Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028, a move analysts believe is permanent despite backlash. Experts suggest Sony will not reverse the decision due to the profitability of digital sales.
Physical games don't matter, says GameStop CEO: "It is totally, totally irrelevant"
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical game discs are irrelevant to the company's business, even as Sony plans to cease production of physical PlayStation discs by 2028. Cohen emphasized that both physical and digital game sales now constitute only 18% of GameStop's revenue, with the collectables business being the primary revenue driver.
As PlayStation prepares to go all-digital, one PC gamer is turning Steam physical with SSD cartridges
A PC gamer has created custom, SSD-based cartridges for Steam games, allowing for a physical media experience on PC. This project comes as PlayStation prepares to phase out physical discs for new releases in 2028. While impractical for many, the system uses scripts to launch games directly from the SSD cartridges.
"We want physical games": Marvel's Wolverine trailer reveals Lady Deathstrike and a Sabretooth team-up, but nobody in the comments is talking about that
A new trailer for Marvel's Wolverine has been released, but the comments section on YouTube is dominated by backlash against Sony's decision to phase out physical game discs by 2028. Despite the trailer revealing new story details like a team-up between Wolverine and Sabretooth, and the confirmation of Lady Deathstrike's appearance, players are expressing strong demand for physical copies. This sentiment is echoed across other PlayStation game trailers, indicating widespread community concern over the shift to digital-only distribution.
Soulslike devs accidentally make a powerful case for discs: PS5-exclusive physical edition sells out as Sony moves to…
The PlayStation 5-exclusive physical "Revered Edition" of Mortal Shell 2 by developer Cold Symmetry has sold out, exceeding expectations and leading to stock shortages. This unexpected demand for a physical disc version is being seen by some as a counter-argument to Sony's plans to phase out physical media by 2028.
The Special PS5-Only Physical Revered Edition of Mortal Shell 2 Has Sold Out, and Fans Are Sending the News Sony's Way as They Continue to Push for a U-Turn on Killing Discs
The special PlayStation 5-only physical Revered Edition of Mortal Shell 2 has sold out, according to its publisher. This news has prompted fans to urge Sony to reconsider its move away from physical discs.
Upcoming Souls-Like So Popular It Sells Out Of PS5 Preorders
The upcoming souls-like game Mortal Shell 2 has sold out of its physical PlayStation 5 preorders due to exceeding expectations. Developer Cold Symmetry and publisher Playstack announced that the limited supply of the Revered Edition could not meet demand, and replenishment before the August 20 release date is unlikely. A demo is currently available on Steam.
Fans troll PS5 summer sale as ‘only renting’ games instead of selling them
Fans are expressing significant dissatisfaction with Sony's current PlayStation Store summer sale, criticizing the company's shift away from physical media. Many view digital purchases as temporary licenses rather than true ownership, leading to accusations that Sony is 'renting' games instead of selling them. This sentiment is being voiced across social media platforms, PlayStation's blog, and YouTube comments, with some users vowing to boycott future PlayStation purchases.
