All articles tagged with #digital games
A rare Nintendo GameCube game, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, worth over $500 in physical form, is now available for free to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers on the new Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting the shift towards digital gaming and the rising value of physical retro games.
Xbox users are experiencing issues with losing access to their game libraries and linked services due to bans or technical glitches, raising concerns about the security and permanence of digital game ownership, and prompting calls for legislation to protect consumers' digital purchases.
The PlayStation Store's November Savings sale offers discounts on popular games like Indiana Jones, Monster Hunter, and The Outer Worlds, running until November 21, ahead of the Black Friday deals which start on November 28, with additional discounts available from other retailers.
The Japan's National Diet Library will not archive Switch 2 Game-Key Cards because they do not contain the actual game data, only a code for download, raising concerns about game preservation and access.
The Nintendo Switch 2 faces a significant storage challenge as game sizes increase and new formats like GameKey Cards and microSD Express cards complicate expansion options, leading to potential storage limitations for users over its lifespan.
Nintendo will end its Switch game voucher program on January 30th, 2026, which allowed Switch Online members to save on digital game purchases. Although the program will no longer be available, existing vouchers will still expire one year after purchase. The program, introduced in 2019, offered savings on eligible games, but Nintendo has not announced any replacement cost-saving methods for future Switch 2 games. Additionally, Nintendo ended its My Nintendo Gold Points loyalty program earlier this year.
Nintendo Life's June 2025 eShop Selects highlights top digital-only Nintendo Switch titles, with Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition winning top honors, followed by Fast Fusion and Deltarune, showcasing the best new and upgraded games for the Switch 2.
The Nintendo Summer Sale is currently offering significant discounts on a wide range of Nintendo Switch games, with prices dropping as low as $3 for some titles, both digitally and physically, providing great opportunities for gamers to expand their collections at reduced prices.
Capcom's FY24 earnings reveal that PC game sales now dominate with 60% of total digital sales, up from 52% in FY23, driven by popular titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, indicating a shift in the gaming industry towards PC platforms.
The New York Times has quietly transformed into a gaming company, with popular games like Wordle contributing to its success. Since 2014, the Times has heavily invested in growing its digital game business as newspaper subscriptions decline. Following the breakout success of Wordle, the NYT purchased the game and added it to its games app, which now contains nearly a dozen puzzle games. Data from an SEC report shows that people are spending more time playing games than consuming other content created by the Times, making games one of the main profit earners for the company with over 1 million subscribers. This shift to gaming has become a successful solution for the Times amidst the challenging online media landscape.
PlayStation users report ongoing issues with digital games disappearing from their libraries, prompting frustration and disappointment. Meanwhile, a reader speculates on Microsoft's past consideration of making Halo multiformat, and another reflects on the wisdom of Nintendo's former boss. Additionally, there's discussion about the potential impact of Helldivers 2 on co-op games, the scarcity of snowboarding games, and the enduring appeal of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Xbox head Phil Spencer stated that getting rid of physical games is not a strategic goal for Xbox, emphasizing the company's support for disc-based games while acknowledging the increasing trend of digital game purchases. Despite leaked documents hinting at an all-digital Xbox Series X console, Spencer emphasized that Microsoft's strategy does not hinge on going all-digital and getting rid of physical media. Xbox also confirmed that the current Series X/S consoles will not be the company’s last, with plans for exciting hardware releases and a focus on delivering a significant technical leap in the next generation.
Xbox head Phil Spencer stated that the company's strategy does not depend on a complete shift to all-digital gaming and getting rid of physical games, despite the challenges associated with manufacturing drives. He emphasized that Xbox will continue to follow consumer behavior and offer options for both disc and discless consoles, indicating that physical games will remain part of the future of Xbox.
The cult third-person shooter Spec Ops: The Line has been delisted from Steam without explanation, prompting confusion and concern among fans and even the game's director. The game, known for its exploration of the dark side of war, is still available on other digital storefronts, but the reasons for its removal from Steam remain unknown. Speculation includes a possible music licensing issue. This incident has sparked discussions about the drawbacks of purchasing digital games and the potential for games to disappear from platforms.
Rarely discounted Nintendo Switch-exclusive games are currently on sale at major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon, offering digital versions of titles like Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX for $39, Animal Crossing: New Horizons for $41, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker for $27. Additionally, Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection is available for $39, Splatoon 3 for $41, and various other third-party games are also discounted. These deals provide an opportunity to expand your Switch library with popular titles at reduced prices.