Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
PS5 Being in the Later Stages of its Life Makes Aggressive Marketing Unnecessary, Says Sony CEO
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that aggressive marketing for the PlayStation 5 is unnecessary as it is in the later stages of its lifecycle, with the company focusing instead on recurring revenue from its user base. The article also highlights fan criticism regarding Sony's decision to end physical game releases by 2028, with many expressing a desire to keep physical media.
Developers And Publishers Are “Largely Very Upset” Over Sony Killing PlayStation Discs
Sony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs by 2028 has reportedly caused significant frustration among game developers and publishers. This move signals a major shift away from physical media in the gaming industry.
Xbox CEO refuses to confirm whether next console Helix will have a disc drive
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma declined to confirm if the upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, will feature a disc drive. Sharma emphasized player choice and the importance of library portability, while also announcing a disc-to-digital initiative for a thousand titles. The company is preparing to share more details about the next-generation hardware soon.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma wants players to have a choice between physical and digital games
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company wants players to have a choice between physical and digital games, highlighting the disc-to-digital program as a step towards this goal. Sharma acknowledged the benefits of both physical and digital media during an interview at Gamescom.
The Witcher 4 Will Have a Physical Box, But CDPR Has “No Influence” in the Ongoing Disc Debate
CD Projekt RED plans to release The Witcher 4 with a physical box, despite Sony's discontinuation of new disc titles from January 2028. Studio co-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated they have no influence on first-party policies but are committed to tangible collectibles. Xbox is also exploring ways to support physical media, with CEO Asha Sharma emphasizing player choice.
The Witcher 4 Will Have a Physical Edition Even if Discs Go Away, CD Projekt Red Confirms
CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will still receive a physical edition, even as physical disc support on platforms like PlayStation 5 is expected to decline by 2028. This decision aims to cater to collectors who prefer physical copies.
Xbox’s Disc-To-Digital Program Means Microsoft Is Probably Done With Discs Too
Microsoft has introduced a "Disc-to-Digital" program for Xbox, allowing users to convert physical game licenses into perpetual digital ones usable across Xbox, PC, and cloud gaming. This move, alongside Sony's earlier announcement to cease physical disc production for PlayStation games after 2028, strongly suggests that both companies are phasing out physical media for future console generations. The program aims to help players maintain access to their game libraries in a digital-first future.
13 years after famous Microsoft dunk, ex-PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida says Xbox disc-to-digital feature is "a…
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida has praised Microsoft's new Xbox disc-to-digital initiative, calling it a "great move." This comes as Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to cease physical game production for PlayStation consoles in 2028, and Grand Theft Auto 6 confirmed its physical release will be a code in a box. Yoshida's comments and past actions have drawn attention due to the perceived irony given Sony's shift away from physical media.
Xbox discs will now grant digital access to games as part of Microsoft's self-proclaimed 'broader commitment…
Microsoft is launching a new program for Xbox Insiders that allows physical game discs to grant digital access to titles, enabling play without the disc in the tray. This initiative is framed as a commitment to game preservation and aims to help players transition their libraries. The feature will initially support thousands of titles and offers access via Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming.
Blaze is bringing back a mystery Evercade cartridge that you may have missed the first time around
Blaze is re-releasing a legacy Evercade cartridge that was previously discontinued due to licensing agreements. The company announced that a collection of physical games will return on Friday, August 28th, with more details to follow. This move offers players another chance to acquire physical titles for retro handhelds like the Super Pocket and Evercade Nexus.
Physical games are never coming back as even disc drives are dying out
The article discusses the declining relevance of physical game media, citing Microsoft's disc-to-digital scheme and the collapsing supply chain for disc drives. It suggests that future consoles like the PlayStation 6 will likely be digital-only, forcing players to adapt to digital distribution despite some resistance.
Atari Brings Back 39 Activision Classics on Genuine 2600 Cartridges
Atari has partnered with Activision to release 39 classic Activision games on new, genuine Atari 2600 cartridges. These titles, including Pitfall!, River Raid, and Kaboom!, will be available individually for $35 or in themed box sets starting in late November, with a complete collection priced at $1000. This initiative aims to preserve and offer physical copies of these retro games for compatible Atari hardware.
Xbox CEO Wants to “Make Sure People Have a Choice” Between Physical and Digital Media
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company wants to ensure players have a choice between physical and digital media, acknowledging the love for physical game discs. Microsoft is also introducing a disc-to-digital initiative for Xbox One and Series X titles, allowing players to convert physical copies into digital licenses.
Danganronpa 2×2 is now a game-key card on Nintendo Switch 2, game no longer on the cartridge
Spike Chunsoft has announced that Danganronpa 2 will be sold on a game-key card instead of a full cartridge for the Nintendo Switch 2. This change affects all regions, and pre-orders from the Spike Chunsoft Official Store US will be canceled and refunded. The game is scheduled to launch in early 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch.
Xbox responds to Sony physical media debacle with new disc-to-digital feature
Microsoft is introducing a new disc-to-digital feature for Xbox One and Xbox Series X owners, allowing them to claim digital entitlements for supported physical games. This initiative aims to enhance game preservation and provide digital benefits like Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming. The feature will initially be available to Xbox Insiders before a wider release, while Microsoft also announced a limited edition Xbox Series X25 console for $899.99.
Xbox’s Disc-To-Digital Program Officially Announced, And It Sounds Pretty Great
Microsoft has officially announced its Disc-To-Digital program for Xbox, allowing players to digitize their physical game discs for Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles. This feature grants digital benefits like Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming, though it is tied to the specific disc and account. The program will exclude Xbox Series S owners and is expected to roll out to Xbox Insiders on August 31st before a wider release.
Xbox announces disc-to-digital program, will begin testing with Xbox Insiders next week
Xbox is launching a new 'disc-to-digital' program that will allow players to claim digital versions of supported physical games they own. The feature will begin testing with Xbox Insiders next week and will include titles for Xbox Series X and Xbox One. This move comes as the industry appears to be shifting towards digital-only distribution.
The Witcher 3 Remastered is free for existing owners, but here's the cheapest way to get a copy if you're yet…
CD Projekt Red announced that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Remastered will launch on September 29 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. Existing owners of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will receive the remaster as a free upgrade. The article details the cheapest ways to acquire a copy for those who do not yet own the game, emphasizing physical copies for older console generations.
48 years later, Atari is finally reuniting with Activision to bring back cartridges, but I'm holding out for more…
Atari and Activision are collaborating on a new collection of classic games, bringing back physical cartridges for vintage consoles like the Atari 2600+ and Atari 7800. The collection includes titles such as Pitfall!, River Raid, and Kaboom!, with standard editions priced at $34.99 and deluxe collector's boxes costing significantly more. This partnership marks a reunion between the two companies after Activision's founding by former Atari programmers in 1979.
Atari’s ‘something big’ reveal is 39 physical Activision cartridges – exactly as we predicted
Atari has announced a collaboration with Activision, releasing 39 classic Atari 2600 games on individual physical cartridges and four themed Deluxe Box Sets. These reproductions are compatible with original Atari 2600 and 7800 consoles, as well as modern Atari 2600+ and 7800+ hardware. Pre-orders are open, with shipments beginning in November 2026.
