What's your preferred way of buying games? (digital/physical/physical digital) (programming.dev)

submitted 21 hours ago* (last edited 21 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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[-] replicator@sh.itjust.works 2 points 19 hours ago

As a person who grew up with consoles, PS1, PS2, and the Xbox360. There was nothing better than waiting from my uncle to get me a new game, or going out with my father to get some 360 discs. Sure, for the 360, they only sold popular releases, I'd see the same circulation of games at almost every store, but let me tell ya, the experience of having the disc in your hands, and begging my father to stop running errands so I can boot the disc up. I miss that experience.

I guess I'd go with physical, digital has never been that special to me. Ok I downloaded it, now I ran the exe. Cool.

this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2025

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