Amidst the rapid shift toward digital gaming, an intriguing trend has emerged in the console market that defies the expected norm. Despite the popularity of buying games digitally, many gamers are choosing consoles equipped with disc drives. Recent statistics released by market research firm Circana highlight that the all-digital PlayStation 5 is faltering in popularity compared to its disc-equipped counterparts.
In September, 40% of total PlayStation 5 unit sales were attributed to the digital model, while Xbox Series X consoles accounted for over half of all Xbox sales. The cumulative sales for the PlayStation 5 have reached an impressive 61.7 million, but only a fraction—around 11.
1 million—are digital-only versions. In contrast, the Xbox Series S, often sold at a lower price point, has shown stronger performance in digital sales, with estimates suggesting approximately 14.4 million units sold.
Experts speculate that the price disparity may be influencing these choices, as the digital PS5 starts at a significantly higher price than its competitors. Additionally, many gamers possess physical copies of their previous PS4 games and may prefer the flexibility to use their console for media beyond gaming. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: physical media is far from obsolete.
While digital downloads are on the rise, the enduring preference for disc drives underscores the complex relationship gamers maintain with physical ownership, ensurin.