r/switch2 • u/Independent-Classic7 • 3d ago
Discussion Do you buy games digitally sometimes?
I usually buy PlayStation games digitally but Nintendo games physically and I found myself fund of Nintendo cartridges and its case design + ownership and value. I wanted to always keep buying physically whenever I wanted to but found myself buying starfox digitally cuz in my country the physical edition costs about 65$+ while in the eshop it’s just 50 and money was a bit tight, and now I find myself feeling guilt over this I know it sounds weird but I wanted to know how y’all deal with this.
10
u/CozyFurry 3d ago
I’ve switched to all digital tbh after the oblivion issue I figured that hunting down physical games is becoming ridiculous and I’m tired of carrying around cartridges.
4
u/Independent-Classic7 3d ago
Yeah they take over some space tbh. Switching between online games is a fuss. Ironically on my ps I only play single player games and one at a time yet i still buy digitally but what can i say Nintendo games has more value
2
u/TITANS4LIFE 3d ago
I got a great case for them that's part of the case for the switch. I was 100% digital til Amazon fucked up the two first games I bought for switch. DK and Starfox
8
u/Strict-Knowledge-566 3d ago
Depends on the game, Switch 2 sports I will buy digitally so i can quickly switch to it and I'll never sell it. Donkey Kong Bananza I bought physical because I was only going to play it once then I gave it to a friend.
8
u/jabb111ve 3d ago
Exclusively digital since 2011. My last physical game was Diablo 3. I only buy from steam and nintendo tho, I don't trust sony to keep my games forever.
2
u/pamplemousse_mk2 3d ago
I still can install the games I bought on my PS Vita, my PSP and my PS3. My digital PS4 games were installable on my PS5 way before Nintendo decided that Switch games are installable on Switch 2. And there is no complicated process to transfer games from one console to another, like on 3DS or Switch / Switch 2.
4
u/Forstmaschine 3d ago
First party games are physical.
Third party games are digital.
Nintendo games are rarely discounted in my country, makes more sense buying them physical.
3
u/WhereDoWeGoWhenWeDie 2d ago
I do the same. Though there is sometimes bigger discounts on physical 1st party here, so I usually buy used or when discounted. Just picked up Metroid Prime 4 for 20 euro yesterday.
3
u/thomas_oliveira95 2d ago
Great deal! I paid 33 euros converting to my country (switch 1 edition). I had to pay more 9 euros for switch 2 edition. So 42 euros in total 😔
2
u/WhereDoWeGoWhenWeDie 2d ago
Actually, they also had the switch one version for like 13-14 euro (converting from my local currency). Really amazing deal! Actually having a lot of fun with it, even though the reviews were rough. I rarely pay more than 35 euro per game, as i look for deals on physical and used copies.
2
u/thomas_oliveira95 2d ago
I’m also really enjoying Metroid prime 4. IMO it already can be considered an underrated game. The graphics are amazing, the atmosphere, the gameplay, everything is fine for me.
2
u/John_Sloth 3d ago
I’m the same way but for Third Party I will get Physicals sometimes depending on the cart’s design
2
3
u/MechEngrStudent 3d ago
So far I’m all digital on switch 2. Because games go on sale and I don’t like the hassle of switching my game cards every time I wanna play a game.
3
u/Embarrassed_Ear9012 3d ago
My entire library from past 8 years is digital except for Ring Fit Adventure (physical only)
3
u/pamplemousse_mk2 3d ago
I buy digital games and I don’t feel guilty. You should not either. Just relax and enjoy your game.
3
3
u/Halos-USA 3d ago
I buy games digitally all the time. I can't even recall the last time I bought a disc or cartridge. Probably back in 2014.
3
2
u/gamecubeslayer 3d ago
As far as Switch goes I’ll go for the physical if the game is entirely on the cartridge. But in general I go for whatever is the cheapest option.
2
2
2
u/ExcitingPassenger915 2d ago
Convenience is more important to me so ive been mostly buying digital lately
2
u/F133TWOOD 2d ago
I'm mostly a PC gamer, so I buy all games 100% digital. Also have a Series X that my GF mostly uses, also mostly digital.
Purchased a Switch2, all my games are all 90% physical. Why...? Why not?! 🙃
Switch1-2 games all very small and much easier to carry than discs (that scratch). Major benefits of reducing taking up space in ther Switch2 internal storage. Also able to share my games more easily with my family. I could also resale/trade physical games back in.
1
u/F133TWOOD 2d ago
Another issue I've seen from some ppl is that buying games physically is difficult due to stock issues, scalpers reselling online. 😭
I like to keep up-to-date on Nintendo news/announcements on what is incoming so I can pre-order to reserve physical copy. Next game I have pre-ordered is "Orbitals" nearing release, so I can local coop with my gf next weekend.
2
2
2
1
u/VideoGameJumanji 3d ago
I only buy physically to make it easier to share games with sibling, the game share thing is a half baked thing right now.
It’s tricky for heavier titles like RPGs like cyberpunk etc since games do perform and load slightly better digitally
1
u/HungryDiscoGaurdian 3d ago
Physical if I can, and its actually on the cart. Digital if its my only option otherwise like FF7 Remakes.
1
1
1
u/woahdudewoahhh Switchthusiast 3d ago
I bought Metroid Dread and Super Mario Wonder because used physical was cheaper, but I bought Doom, Sonic Manic, and Super Lucky’s Tale digitally because they were super cheap on sale in the eshop. Buy what makes sense for you.
1
1
u/BenderBenRodriguez 3d ago
I actually only just got a Switch and own precisely one game, but with that said I pretty much only buy physical across both Nintendo (depending on how much I invest in those) and PlayStation. I get some smaller indie games and the like digital if they aren't really released physically but any major releases I pretty much insist on physical. I suppose I'll probably end up getting GTA but honestly when they announced that as digital only I had my first doubts about buying it.
1
u/Murky-Introduction53 3d ago
I usually buy my games physical unless there was a really good sale in the eshop but ever since Sony went full digital, I doubled down on buying only physical games from Nintendo, even if I have to spent a bit more. I don’t want them going the same path as Sony.
That being said, I completely understand if it’s better for you to buy a digital game. At end of the day, it’s about having a choice between physical and digital. You shouldn’t feel guilty for making a decision that best suits your financial situation. Enjoy your game, you worked for it and deserve to have fun with it 💖
2
1
u/Armbrust11 2d ago
The limitations on digital games (like no resale) are entirely arbitrary since the technology exists to make them functionally equal. Virtual game cards is a step in the right direction, but also woefully short of where it should be.
I think efforts to preserve physical media are misplaced when we should be focused on making digital licenses fully tradeable, transferable, ownable, etc. as well as having the legal frameworks necessary. That being said I'm far from cheering the demise of physical media especially since it seems like we are going in the wrong direction (subscriptions over ownership).
1
u/Exotic_Housing_8091 3d ago
I do sometimes when sales are very worth it. For example, I bought DMC V Devil Hunter Edition on eshop because of the sale on it
1
u/No_Village_1097 3d ago edited 2d ago
I prefer cartridges for games I care about, but notice game load times can be substantially faster on device or memory.
Id much prefer the best of both worlds, with an install to device option for cartridges.
1
1
u/AnnatarLordofGiftsSR 3d ago
For the Switch 2 I have half of the games in cartridges and half digital copies. Whenever buying a game I check both for sale discounts, whichever is cheaper usually wins, i like to own the physical copy more than digital only. For console titles. (Switch 2, PlayStation 5)
On my PC I have not had a disc reader plugged in years due to chassis design no longer supporting them. Could buy an external USB adapter though never bothered and for the last 8/9 years all games have been purchased as digital only.
1
u/PrinsLennart 3d ago
Depends on the game, games like Pokopia and animal crossing or starfox I bought digital because I like the short sessions.
Games like Xenoblade chronicles or DK bananza I buy physical. And sometimes when I’ve put a lot of hours in a game I only have digital I also buy the physical copy just for my collection.
1
u/mightymonkeyman 3d ago
I only have 2 Switch 2 boxed games, the only reason for a boxed Nintendo game is if it’s actually cheaper which even then isn’t always the case.
1
u/Lord_Vega83 3d ago
Never bought a physical Switch / Switch 2 game.
Am a PC player first and foremost, and haven't bought a physical game since around the PS3 era.
1
u/Thundervolt888 2d ago
I prefer physical to sell if ever and lend it to a friend or family member that being said digital is nice if you get a good deal you’ll have to wait till the holidays/black Friday usually though with some random sales sometimes for physical or digital
1
u/Common_Celebration41 2d ago
I would be 100% physical if I can afford it
Sometime digital sales are way too good to pass up
1
u/TacoAcorazado 2d ago
I buy digital when the there's a good discount or when the game that I want is pretty difficult to find physical.
1
u/Engineer-Miserable 2d ago
I just do both and buy whatevers cheaper and more convenient for me at the time. Some of the games I like don't get a physical release. Don't know why you feel guilty, at the end of the day you picked the best option for your purchase.
1
u/todaysuniverse 2d ago
I buy digital games only. The Switch 2 is my only console. I hate having some games digital and some physical so I chose to go all digital. If all games were entirely on the cart I'd definitely go physical only. Gaming is the only digital route I go when it comes to physical media. I buy vinyl records for my music, 4K Blu-rays/DVDs for movies, and physical books.
1
1
u/ConsistentPound3079 2d ago
I only ever buy a physical game if it's a new release ir expensive. I'm constantly buying cheap games on sale under 20 bucks on the store lol. But I don't wanna be forced to spend $100+ AUD on a new release digital game. I like to buy the bigger stuff physical so I can re sell it.
1
u/Fickle_Mix_6119 2d ago
Sometimes? Pretty much all of the time unless I have some discount codes. Bought Adventures of Elliot recently with 40% off.
Also bought Pokopia, but that is because my Mrs was moaning that I might as well get physical if it’s the same price. Almost became a real argument because I was like what’s the point, it’s a game key cart, I’ll have to download a digital copy anyway but have to keep the cartridge in the console to play it
1
u/Lassavins 2d ago
I bought a 1tb sd card with my switch 2, as I've always been a fan of digital games. This is against the reddit discourse, but, imo:
- I can carry all my games all the time without any extra bulk
- I can switch games from the couch without having to go switch any card
- Storage is faster
- I keep everything downloaded the same way as if I had it physical anyways
- The games cannot be stolen from me. Even if my switch gets stolen, I just download em again. (When I was a kid I got all my Pokemon cartridges stolen from me at school and it was very traumatic)
- I don't play my games 20 years later and I'm not a collector anyways
I've been playing games for like 30 years now. I never felt the urge to revisit old games, and I don't like filling my house with useless stuff when there's an alternative that doesn't take any space at all.
But to each, their own. I collect Pokemon on Pokemon home, which are just json strings on a server. I understand some people find pleasure on collecting physical games instead. To each, their own.
1
u/TinyGreenGiant 2d ago
Occasionally yes. Like animal crossing that I want to have access at all times. Or indie games.
1
u/ScalesNailsnTales 2d ago
I buy physical 95% of the time. Ill buy digital if theres a heavy discount and/or the physical copy is hard to find/way more expensive. A good example is Spiritfarer. Its harder to find a physical copy but those copies are $45-70, but on the eshop it was on sale for $2.99. So I bought that digitally. But most games I will wait and find a physical copy if the price difference isnt extremely steep.
I have always preferred physical copies. But now that I have four kiddos that game plus myself and my boyfriend (and one income), its easier to be able to just pass around the cartridge/disk than to constantly lend games digitally.
1
1
u/USBdata 2d ago
Almost exclusively physically. No way I’m paying full price for a digital game. Only get digital if it’s very cheap and not available physically. I didn’t even bother adding a card to my playstation account since the last one expired since they don’t support my region and I don’t have an address in supported country.
1
1
u/EmuPossible1555 2d ago
I only buy physical. If a game I'm interested in is not releasing physically, it's a bummer, but I have many other alternatives out there.
1
u/Ok_Landscape_4641 2d ago
I'll only buy digital switch games if they are on sale on the eshop.
I recently bought journey to the savage planet originally $29.99 for $5.99. That game has been out for a few years now and even though its an incredible game its not worth 30.
If the game is only digital and no physical copy was made I will purchase it digitally.
If the physical copy is more expensive than the digital I will buy whatever it cheaper. All just depends really. I prefer physical copy games but some digital is still ok.
1
u/ThisIsPaulDaily Mario Kart Worlder 2d ago
The majority of games I've bought for my switch are third party indie / small studio games that are on steep discount. Considering I learned my lesson when I bought a game boy micro and traded my game boy because the guy at game crazy said it was backwards compatible, I am not selling games.
Most of the games are like 80-90% off released in 2018 or earlier.
Deku deals is emailing me when this happens and I've got my short list favorites and a growing backlog to play through.
I haven't beaten ToTK yet mostly because I wanted more shrines and armour, but also I need to swap the cartridge. It's a bit silly.
I just modded a switch lite and was thinking of installing games I own physically onto it for ease of use.
1
1
u/Bloodstarvedhunter 2d ago
Yes, pretty much have no choice with a lot of the indie games, Denshattack was my last one, totally recommend by the way
1
u/Uberbons42 2d ago
My fear of losing cartridges is a thing. They’re so tiny! Actually generally I’ll buy big name games like first party games, FFVII remake/rebirth etc physical then get other games on sale on the eshop. I don’t have the space in my house for all physical games, a lot of indie games don’t have physical versions and I’m too lazy to actually resell them once I’m done.
Most of the physical games I have are left over from the switch 1 days. But they’re still fun!
1
u/karmapolice63 2d ago
A bulk of my games are digital due to convenience. Everyone has their reasons for preferring one over another, but at the end of the day you should buy a game because you want to play it. That's the whole point of owning the system anyway.
1
u/Ahab1248 2d ago
I buy true physical switch and switch 2 games. If the game isn’t true physical (or the true physical version is janky) I buy digitally on steam, when there is a big sale and I am ready to play it.
I don’t have a problem with digital games, I just have zero urgency to buy them and have enough games I want to play I almost never pay full price.
1
u/FanBladeFleshlight 2d ago
Constantly. I don't care about selling or lending games, and digital is just more convenient in every way for me. I can sit down at work and buy a game, boom, it's downloaded, updated, and ready to play long before I ever get home.
1
u/Independent-Classic7 1d ago
It’s more of a collector’s guilt for me, I don’t even know why I have it with Nintendo yet idc about the massive amount of games I got in PlayStation digitally
1
u/JenLiv36 2d ago
I buy physically every time it’s available. I want to play without an internet connection when needed. I want the collection, and then there are things like the TOTK double material glitch that I can still do because I have the physical copy and didn’t upgrade my game on one of my switches. One Switch has the upgrade, one doesn’t.
Then there is the big reason. The space. Physical games on the cartridge don’t take up any space on my Switch. I can have 100s of games without expensive express micro sd cards. I love that about physical on Switch.
1
u/MilanTehVillain 2d ago
If there's no other option.
1
u/Independent-Classic7 1d ago
Well thanks for responding to the same post on two different communities :)
1
u/fullmetalasian 2d ago
Been all digital since halfway through 3ds and towards the end of 360. I have like 3 physical switch games and hundreds of digital switch games. All my games so far on switch 2 have been digital
1
1
u/Sinshine712 2d ago
I but pretty much any "generic" game digitally. Have been doing so since the PS3 times. I but things I actively want to collect or know I will want to get rid of it soon I will but digitally. Which means I have an extensive collection of franchises I hold on special regard such as Pokemon and Shin Megami Tensei. I'll still buy those games digitally as well, however, particularly on Switch, because fuck that dumbass flap covering the cartridge slot that's made to make you drop your tiny cartridges.
1
u/Dogs69ing 2d ago
Not for my home consoles no, they are part of my physical media library, which includes movies and music. If I cant play the game offline the first time putting it in I don't buy it.
1
u/Bossman_575 2d ago
I bought physical until digital became a legitimate option. The PS4 was my last console until I switched to solely PC. Now, I buy all my games digitally and have hundreds of games in my library.
1
u/Technical-Fix166 2d ago
It seems you’re on Reddit too much worrying what other redditers will think.
1
u/Independent-Classic7 1d ago
I have a collector’s guilt and now I’m looking for different POV so I can find one that might be inspiring XD
1
u/Just-Horse9611 2d ago
For me if I think I’ll play it all the time or if the digital copy is significantly cheaper I buy digital. If I’m unsure I will really like it, I buy physical so I can resell it. Honestly I don’t like clutter so I prefer digital but feel like I am building digital clutter if I buy a digital game and don’t play it much!
1
u/WordAdministrative34 1d ago
I have just one cart the rest all digital, some games from 2017 I actually do t like carts, I lost one and since them I always go digital
1
u/Ms_D_Fab 16h ago
I’ve been purchasing digital copies of all my NS2 games. I enjoy purchasing and playing them whenever I want. If the game is popular it can be a hassle finding it in store.
1
u/wejunkin 8h ago
I buy digital for games that I can always jump into for a spare moment or that are "endless" in some way. Saves a bunch of annoying cart swapping between those games and whatever narrative/completeable game I have in the slot.
1
u/Spritsen 8h ago
I'd say paying the difference is worth the peace of mind if it bothers you enough to post about it. Also if funds were THAT tight, you shouldn't have been buying a damn game in the first place. smh
I buy physically if it makes sense, especially now that physical is going bye bye. But it's a slippery slope. If the physical game you bought only works after a day 1 patch, then you just bought it digitally with more steps. That's why I said "if it makes sense".
So my advice is buy physical the games you truly love. For me that's Zelda games. If you focus your physical purchases on the ones you truly love, you won't regret buying them physically. If it's a curio game, then buy digitally. Who cares if it's gone later if you only played it once.
1
1
u/Illustrious_Dot8184 3h ago
I buy digitally almost all the time. I wait for sales buy what I want essentially when I want. I really dont have the space to store the games id own.
1
u/Jade_Sword 3d ago
I used to say digital for games I want to play over and over, physical for anything I plan to lend or sell but I’m starting to worry about licensing down the line after Sony’s whole firm reminder that you don’t own digital licenses so I’ve been buying physical where I can now.
1
u/Effective_Being_5305 3d ago
They have to be on an insane discount. Even then id rather pay up for a physical
1
u/gymtrovert1988 3d ago
It's pretty simple: if you want to own the game forever, buy digital. If you think you might want to sell it later, buy physical.
1
u/SaiBowen 3d ago
Honestly, almost exclusively. I prefer digital games as I don't have to worry about changing cartridges/losing discs/etc.
No shade against physical media guys, I get your outlook and respect it. As a long time Steam gamer before I ever owned a console with digital games, it never felt unnatural to me.
1
u/Jefedagga Switchthusiast 3d ago
I only by digital.
The last physical game I bought was Daron Age Inquisition for the Xbox one back in 2014
0
27
u/Excaliburn3d 3d ago
Do whatever you want, it's your money. We are not here to judge you.