Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
Some Retailers Are Refusing to Sell GTA 6 Due to the Lack of a Disc
Two retailers have announced they will not sell Grand Theft Auto 6 because it will not be released on physical disc. This decision highlights ongoing shifts in game distribution models.
Some Retailers Are Refusing To Carry GTA 6’s Physical Release
Two retailers, Video Games Plus and Loot Box Gaming, have announced they will not carry Grand Theft Auto 6 due to its lack of a traditional physical disc release, opting instead for a code-in-a-box format. Both companies cited policies against selling games with only digital codes and emphasized their commitment to game preservation. While these retailers are small, their stance highlights a growing concern about the decline of physical media in the gaming industry.
Physical Retailers Refuse to Sell GTA 6 Over Decision to Skip Discs
Two US retailers, Video Games Plus and Loot Box Gaming, have announced they will not sell Grand Theft Auto 6 due to Rockstar Games' decision to release it as a digital code in a box instead of on a physical disc. Both companies cited their commitment to physical media and customer value as reasons for their refusal. The game is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
GTA 6 physical editions contain a download code, not a disc
Rockstar Games has confirmed that physical editions of Grand Theft Auto 6 will include a download code instead of a disc. The physical copies will be available for pre-load starting November 12, ahead of the November 19 launch. This decision raises concerns for collectors and players with limited internet access, highlighting a growing trend towards digital distribution in the industry.
GTA 6 Physical Edition Does Not Contain A Disc
The physical edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a game disc. Instead, it will contain a download code for the game.
Some Fear GTA 6 Physical Version Marks the End of the Video Game Disc
Rockstar Games has faced criticism for its decision to release the physical version of Grand Theft Auto 6 with only a download code. This move has led to concerns among some players that it signifies the end of physical video game discs.
GTA 6 physical copies have a download code in the box and fans aren't happy — 'The biggest game to ever launch and that’s all the effort you’re putting in for physical?'
Physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a disc, but rather a digital download code, disappointing fans who prefer physical media. This decision by Rockstar has led to criticism regarding the effort put into physical editions for what is considered the biggest game launch ever. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.
GTA 6 Physical Copies Won’t Include Discs, Just Download Codes
Rockstar Games has confirmed that physical editions of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not contain discs but will instead include a download code. This approach allows for preloading on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S starting November 12, a week before the November 19 release date. All preorders and purchases before November 20 will receive the Vintage Vice City Pack DLC.
GTA 6 physical copies will be a digital code in a box, no disc included
Rockstar Games has confirmed that physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a disc, but rather a digital download code. This decision means players will need to download the full game, with pre-loading available from November 12th ahead of the November 19th launch. While this aligns with the industry's shift towards digital distribution, it may disappoint consumers who prefer physical ownership and the option to resell games.
GTA 6 Physical Edition Doesn't Come with Discs, It's a Code in the Box
The physical edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 for PlayStation 5 will not include discs; instead, it will contain a digital download code. Pre-orders for both digital and physical versions will be available soon, with pre-loading starting a week before the November 19, 2026 launch date.
GTA 6 physical copies are a code in a box, as Rockstar confirms they won't come with a disk
Rockstar Games has confirmed that physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a disc, but rather a code for a digital download. This decision is reportedly a measure to prevent pre-launch leaks. Physical editions will be available in stores a week early, on November 12, 2026, to allow for pre-loading.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Physical Copies Won't Include a Disc, Will Just Be a Code in a Box
Rockstar Games has announced that physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a game disc. Instead, purchasers will receive a box containing only a digital download code for the game.
De-digitize your life with 12 retro gadgets that will send you straight back to the 90s this Prime Day
This article discusses the trend of de-digitizing life by embracing physical media and retro gadgets, particularly in the context of Prime Day sales. It highlights the appeal of physical albums, DVDs, Blu-rays, and MP3 players as an alternative to streaming services and digital downloads. The author, who covers gaming hardware for GamesRadar+, shares personal experiences and mentions relevant gaming platforms like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Deku Deals now lists which Nintendo Switch 2 games are on the cartridge
The Deku Deals website now indicates which Nintendo Switch games are released on physical cartridges versus game-key cards. This feature helps consumers identify games that include the full game on the cartridge.
Amazon’s 3 4K Blu-Rays For $33 Deal Returns This Month
Amazon is running a limited-time promotion offering three 4K Blu-rays for $33, with eligible titles priced at $11 each. The sale includes a variety of films such as Dirty Harry, National Lampoon's Animal House, 1917, and Candyman. This deal is available ahead of Prime Day and automatically applies when three qualifying Blu-rays are added to the cart.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Is Another PS5 Disc That Requires a Download to Actually Play
The physical PlayStation 5 version of Halo: Campaign Evolved requires a mandatory download to be playable, a common trend that raises concerns for game preservation. This means the disc itself is insufficient to play the game, making physical copies potentially useless if online support is ever removed.
Lies of P on Nintendo Switch 2 physical includes game on cartridge
The physical release of the souls-like game Lies of P for the Nintendo Switch will include the full game on the cartridge, avoiding the use of a Game-Key Card. This practice is becoming a rarity for third-party releases. Developers Neowiz and iam8bit are being praised for this approach.
Gruv’s Latest Sale Is A Goldmine For 4K Blu-Ray And Steelbook Fans
Gruv is holding a limited-time sale on physical media, offering significant discounts on 4K Blu-rays and Steelbook editions. The promotion includes deals such as two Steelbook Blu-rays for $34 and two 4K Blu-rays for $24, with various movie and TV collections also available at reduced prices.
Morning Consolidation
Microsoft is reportedly exploring a system called Positron that could allow Xbox physical game discs to be converted into digital licenses. This technology would enable players to redeem their disc-based games digitally, potentially offering a new way to access their game libraries.
Physical Game Fans, Beware: Digital Downloads Hit an Astonishing 85% on PS5, PS4 Last Quarter
Digital game purchases accounted for 85% of sales on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Sony's most recent financial quarter, marking a record high for the brand. While physical media sales have decreased significantly over the past decade, they still represent a substantial market, suggesting future consoles like the PlayStation 6 may continue to offer physical options, albeit potentially without a standard disc drive.
