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What's your preferred way of buying games? (digital/physical/physical digital) (programming.dev)
submitted 23 hours ago* (last edited 23 hours ago) by the16bitgamer@programming.dev to c/patientgamers@sh.itjust.works
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Ran across this in a discussion about Nintendo's Virtual Game Cards and Key Cards.

For myself it's

Physical > Perpetual Digital (GOG) > Key Cards (Switch 2) > DRM Digital (Steam/PS3/Xbox 360) > Account DRM Digital (PS4/Switch/Xbox One) > System Locked Digital (3DS/Wii U) > GamePass > Streaming Games (Amazon Luna/Stadia)

For some context.

While Key Cards are digital they are not tied to hardware which means so long as the servers are still running the game can be downloaded and played... presuming no additional authentication is required.

DRM Digital is bellow that since services like Epic Games, and Steam still require re-authentication from time to time. Though Steam is getting better thanks to the Steam Deck.

GamePass is low because it is the same as Game Rental. You don't own the game. Good to try never to own.

On that note, physical games with download codes inside don't even get a place on my list. Got tricked into buying Patapon 2 this way and I always read the games fine print ever since.

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[-] the16bitgamer@programming.dev 5 points 22 hours ago

I have a bit more nuances on that. Some games are Steam or console only, so what I do there is get them deeeply discounted so that if I was to loose them the hit isn't much. Otherwise GOG like digital services, or physical all the way.

The other way I look at it is for systems like the Switch or 3DS, where once it's cracked open. The game has a very high chance at being emulated easily with wider compatibility than it would otherwise.

this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2025
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