Physical vs. Digital Games: Should You Buy Physical Games?

howtogeek.com:

Many video games are now available as a digital purchase or physical media, and increasingly, more games are only available digitally. Does it make sense to buy physical games anymore?

PC games are now almost exclusively distributed through Steam, EA, Epic Games, GOG, and other digital stores, partially because most computers don’t have disc drives anymore. However, the physical vs. digital debate is still raging on in the game console world. Most major game releases on consoles are available in both formats, but many niche and indie titles are not. Some publishers are also skipping a physical option as a cost-cutting measure, like for Alan Wake 2.

The notion of “owning” a game in a physical format has also deteriorated over the years. Most physical games serve as license keys that still need to occasionally check in with a remote server. Unless you’re buying a PC game without DRM (like games from GOG), or physical games for legacy consoles, you don’t really own your own games.

For the games that are available in both formats—and if your gaming platform of choice gives you the option (sorry, Xbox Series S owners)—the question of buying a digital or physical copy is complicated.

There’s a reason digital downloads are now the default for game distribution, rather than just an option. You don’t need to go to a store (though many of them will sell you the digital codes), or wait for a disc or cartridge to be delivered. You just buy the game, and you can play it as soon as it’s done downloading. You generally don’t have to worry about losing access to the game, unless someone steals your login information — you’re more likely to forget a Nintendo Switch cartridge on an airplane, or lose track of a PS5 game when moving to a new