Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
Atari Is Re-Releasing 39 Atari 2600 Games on Working, Physical Cartridges
Atari has announced a new physical game collaboration with Activision, titled the Atari x Activision Collection. This partnership will see 39 Atari 2600 games re-released on working, physical cartridges, marking a reunion between the two companies after nearly 50 years.
New GTA 6 leak shows physical media is alive and well in Vice City, including one game that pokes fun at The Last of Us…
A new Grand Theft Auto 6 leak from the group Cyberleek showcases in-game advertisements that parody other video games, including a jab at The Last of Us's frequent remakes. The leaks continue despite efforts by Take-Two Interactive to stop them. The footage also highlights the presence of physical media within the game's Vice City setting.
Dispatch reveals Nintendo Switch 2 / Switch physical release
AdHoc Studio has announced physical editions for the game Dispatch, including a Deluxe Edition and a Steelbook Edition, both slated for release in Q4 2026. The physical versions will be compatible with both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Additionally, a 3xLP vinyl soundtrack release is planned, featuring music from the game and various artists.
Rediscovering my PS Vita has left me despairing for PlayStation's all-digital future
Rediscovering the PlayStation Vita has led to despair over Sony's all-digital future, particularly with the upcoming closure of the Vita's digital store. This move, coupled with the anticipated all-digital nature of the PlayStation 6 and the cessation of physical disc releases by 2028, raises concerns about game preservation and the ability to share or resell games in the future.
The Witcher 4's 2028 release date sparks PS5 physical release concerns, but is there anything CD Projekt Red can do to avoid Sony's decision?
CD Projekt Red is targeting a 2028 release for The Witcher 4, raising community concerns about the availability of physical disc versions due to Sony's planned discontinuation of PlayStation game disc production in January 2028. While the company has not commented on how it plans to address this, players are expressing a desire for physical editions on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
PS5 boycott to continue indefinitely as organisers ask fans to ignore Wolverine
A planned PlayStation boycott against Sony's decision to discontinue physical game releases after 2027 will continue indefinitely. Organizers aim to impact Sony's active player count and business operations. Despite the boycott, upcoming releases like Marvel's Wolverine and the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 are expected to drive PlayStation 5 sales.
Persona 6 will have a physical PS5 copy, leaving fans convinced Atlus is releasing the JRPG before Sony ditches discs in…
Fans are speculating that Atlus will release Persona 6 before Sony phases out physical discs in 2028, based on an announcement confirming a physical PlayStation 5 version. While no release date is set, Sony plans to cease manufacturing physical discs for new games in January 2028, leading to fan theories about an earlier launch for the JRPG.
Icon Blue DualSense Gets a Release Date, But Fans Only Want to Talk About Discs
Sony announced the Icon Blue Special Edition DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5, set to release on September 25th with pre-orders starting August 25th. However, the announcement was met with significant fan backlash on social media, with many users expressing frustration over the lack of information regarding future disc drives and the potential shift towards digital-only games for the next PlayStation console generation.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Switch 2 physical version is seemingly a code-in-box
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will reportedly be a code-in-box, meaning the physical release will only contain a download voucher. Retailer Video Game Plus has stated they will not stock the game due to this, citing concerns for the future of physical media. Activision has not yet officially confirmed the format for the Switch 2 version.
Games Inbox: Is the PS5 boycott still happening?
Readers discuss various gaming topics, including a boycott of the PlayStation 5 due to the discontinuation of physical media, impressions of The Duskbloods network test, and reactions to Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks. Other topics include the relevance of Xbox's 25th anniversary, Nintendo Switch 2 impressions, and the debate around physical vs. digital game sales.
Sony sends PlayStation users a reminder they don't own their digital games just as a fan boycott over ending discs kicks off
Sony has sent PlayStation users an email reminding them of the terms of service, which state that digital games are licensed, not owned. This comes as a fan boycott against Sony's decision to end new PlayStation disc production in 2028 is underway. The company cited the overall digitalization of content as the primary reason for this shift.
VGP: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 will be code in box
Video Games Plus, a North American retailer, has reported that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 for the Nintendo Switch 2 will be a code-in-box release, meaning it will not include a physical cartridge or game key card. This indicates a shift away from traditional physical game distribution for the upcoming title on the new platform.
The PlayStation Blackout Protest Has Protest Has Begun
PlayStation fans have initiated a blackout protest to express their dissatisfaction with Sony's perceived disconnect from its community. Key points of frustration include decisions such as the discontinuation of physical disc production. The movement encourages wider participation.
The first physical PC game I remember playing shows what Sony is thoughtlessly destroying
The author reflects on the first physical PC game they remember, Tunnel B1, and contrasts it with the current digital-only landscape. This reflection is prompted by Sony's announcement that PlayStation will phase out physical media by 2028, leading to a discussion about the perceived loss of value and nostalgia associated with physical game boxes.
PlayStation fans prepare for PS5 boycott – here's when to switch off
A group of PlayStation owners are organizing a week-long boycott from August 23-30, 2026, to protest Sony's decision to stop producing physical game discs after 2027. The protest aims to pressure Sony by impacting active player metrics and highlighting the importance of physical media. Sony's CFO, Lin Tao, stated that the company does not anticipate any negative impact on its business from this decision.
US console sales hit new low in July as physical Xbox games plummet
US video game hardware sales in July reached $282 million, a 29% decrease from the previous year and the lowest July since 2020, according to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella. This decline is attributed to rising console prices and a component crisis impacting the PC and mobile markets. Physical Xbox game sales also saw a significant drop, accounting for only 4% of total physical game sales for the month, suggesting a potential shift towards digital-only distribution for the platform.
Criterion Puts KPop Demon Hunters Alongside Roma And The Irishman As Sequel Talk Heats Up
Criterion is releasing a 4K Blu-ray special edition of the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, placing it alongside acclaimed titles like Roma and The Irishman. This physical media release signifies the film's success and impact, especially for a Netflix original. While a sequel is confirmed, it is not expected until 2029 or later due to the extensive work required for animated productions.
US physical game sales drop to lowest monthly total since 1995 | US Monthly Charts
US physical game sales in July reached their lowest point since 1995, totaling $85 million. Hardware spending also saw a significant decline of 29% year-over-year, reaching $282 million, the lowest July total since 2020. Despite these drops, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 topped the charts, driven by its PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 port.
As PlayStation fans plan a financial boycott of the platform's hardware and services until August 30, Sony announces that its new Pulse Elevate speakers will be available to pre-order on September 1
PlayStation fans are planning a boycott of the platform's hardware and services from August 23 to August 30 in protest of Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to end support for physical discs in 2028. Meanwhile, Sony announced that its new Pulse Elevate wireless speakers will be available for pre-order on September 1, with a launch date of November 12, 2026.
The Stardew Valley Switch 2 Physical Edition Is the Kind of Cash Grab I Can Get Behind
Fangamer has released a physical edition of Stardew Valley for the Nintendo Switch, eight months after its digital version became available. This physical release is noted as a welcome move for fans who appreciate physical media.