Nobody reading your post today will be buying anything in 2124In the future? Yes obviously. You won't be buying physical games in 2124.
In the near future? No lmao
That's right-- no physical no buy.Nobody reading your post today will be buying anything in 2124
I think it's inevitable, yeah, but probably a while away, it's half of their software sales still.
I don't think the "have to keep things on shelves" or "confused parents" will play into it when code cards exist and are already a huge amount of Nintendo's shelf presence. I mean the "physical" Switch games sold at 7-11 in Japan are code cards now, last I saw anyway.
I could see them making it more straightforward than codes. For as worthless as the Amico is, its "code cards" are NFC cards you tap to download, which is neat. What stops Nintendo from doing that, honestly? Reduce the barriers for code cards and they become a bit more appealing.
Before the final deathknell happens I think we'll see the packaging get a LOT cheaper. The way the world has to go, they'll have to stop with this solid plastic for software distribution when thin foldable cardboard is cheaper, more in line with regulations, and like, actually recyclable. Nintendo Switch cases use paper inserts, high quality cardboard isn't sacrificing durability much, if at all, when the current cases crease damage their inserts with enough opens and closes.
I also think we're already in the transition, with full priced games (albeit remakes and re-releases) coming to digital first and physical weeks or months later. I think we'll see a digital only console from Nintendo next generation, either in the Lite/Mini or a new formfactor, like an Ultralite or a TV box.
I didn't get into pricing much, but when you account for vouchers, digital is also a LOT cheaper here than physical, as much as a $25 (equivalent) difference.Nailed it 100%. Also the push to vouchers already was a sign of things.
Only thing I wish they would fix is the 1 year validity.I didn't get into pricing much, but when you account for vouchers, digital is also a LOT cheaper here than physical, as much as a $25 (equivalent) difference.
I don't think Game Vouchers are going anywhere anytime soon, either, because the benefits for Nintendo are considerable.
It converts megafans and the price conscious to digital, and it means they get the money up front, possibly months in advance.
I think that depends where you are. Here physical games are anything up to £15 cheaper than the eshop if you shop around due to intense competition allowed between the online retailers rather than rigid adherence to RRP.I didn't get into pricing much, but when you account for vouchers, digital is also a LOT cheaper here than physical, as much as a $25 (equivalent) difference.
I don't think Game Vouchers are going anywhere anytime soon, either, because the benefits for Nintendo are considerable.
It converts megafans and the price conscious to digital, and it means they get the money up front, possibly months in advance.
I mean, yeah, of course it depends. That's why I said "here" and not "generally"I think that depends where you are. Here physical games are anything up to £15 cheaper than the eshop if you shop around due to intense competition allowed between the online retailers rather than rigid adherence to RRP.
Ah, fair enough.I mean, yeah, of course it depends. That's why I said "here" and not "generally"
The online retailers here are.
Nintendo themselves, so no deals.
Amazon UK or France, so either the difference is eaten by currency conversion or shipping.
Smyth's, who have 0 competition and might give you 5€ off if you're lucky... With 5€ shipping.
Not really, since it is bound to NSO (which you have to pay for) and a big part of the userbase isn‘t suscribed to it, not to forget that it‘s bound to specific games. And since they don’t make good deals that often you get a second-hand or even a new physical copy cheaper (depending where you live, of course). The voucher program is primarily just a attempt from Nintendo to boost software sales from NSO users.I didn't get into pricing much, but when you account for vouchers, digital is also a LOT cheaper here than physical, as much as a $25 (equivalent) difference.
I don't think Game Vouchers are going anywhere anytime soon, either, because the benefits for Nintendo are considerable.
It converts megafans and the price conscious to digital, and it means they get the money up front, possibly months in advance.
I really do wonder. Because we've already seen a trend of physical coming in more limited releases through physical specific manufacturers. Whose to say the physical market doesn't just turn into some collector's market with physical games occupying the same space as "collector's editions" with inflated prices for the luxury of owning physical?Digital only is the endgame for the whole games market.
Though it'll take a while, and i fully expect Nintendo to be the last one to make the move.
That's all well and good until hardware manufacturers decide it's not worth including a drive/reader for such a niche. Though at that point maybe something like "USB stick games" could replace standard game cards.I really do wonder. Because we've already seen a trend of physical coming in more limited releases through physical specific manufacturers. Whose to say the physical market doesn't just turn into some collector's market with physical games occupying the same space as "collector's editions" with inflated prices for the luxury of owning physical?
Doesn't the PS5 digital allow for a disc drive add-on? I think the solution is just that disc drives or card readers will just start becoming optional add-ons you have to get if you want to enjoy physical. Adding more to the "luxury" aspect.That's all well and good until hardware manufacturers decide it's not worth including a drive/reader for such a niche. Though at that point maybe something like "USB stick games" could replace standard game cards.
Yeah, unless wider video game purchasing habits change drastically at some point, I think the future of gaming will be digital only.Digital only is the endgame for the whole games market.
Though it'll take a while, and i fully expect Nintendo to be the last one to make the move.