Topic: Do you prefer owning a physical copy or a digital download?

Download for me. The only drawback is that the game won't ever go down in price and you can't sell the games when you're done with them. But other than that, I do like all my games to be contained on the console already so I can just turn it on and play the game I want instead of having to search for the game and physically change games.

I used to have a huge collection of SNES games. Physical games take up physical space. It got to a point where I sold most of them just to free up the space.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each.
DOWNLOAD
ADVANTAGES: all games on one system, no cartridges to store or maintain, never discontinued
DISADVANTAGES: price never decreases, can't use original controler, no peripherals, not all games available, can't sell the games, saves use memory on the Wii
PHYSICAL
ADVANTAGES: peripherals, can get any game, cartridge games save to themselves, games can be sold, can use the original controlers
DISADVANTAGES: some games rare and/or expensive, games require maintenance, games must be bought used, storage can become a problem

I prefer hard copies. I get more excited holding a cartridge I just bought, even if it was used, knowing that I finally have a game I've been wanting for awhile, than if I simply download them. The re-releases are exciting, but knowing that the game is there provided I have the cash is much more fun.

Well, since I don't have any consoles before 6th generation (excluding my PS1, no games) I prefer download. But I do prefer physical copy because it doesn't take up as much memory.

I don't really care either way. As long as I have the game.

I prefer download and I believe download is the future. But I do miss lending games to and from my friends and of course... the ability to sell my "license". Issues that I´m convinced will be solved.

Probably physical for me, because I think they're still more dependable, but that's not saying digital downloads are bad or anything.

I prefer downloads because I have no room for all of these game boxes.

Yes, download probably is the future. That doesn't mean I won't miss the cartridges or dvds, but at least I can't misplace downloads!

Lol, So do you prefer downloads or physical copies ?

I do prefer downloads as I like to embrace new technologies although I do have a irrational fear of losing all my downloads and not being able to get them back.

as a collector, i own the best of both, but i definitely prefer my hard copies. i love to be able to open my entertainment cabinets and see a pretty expansive library of all the best titles of a generation.

physical all the way its just awesome to see all those white boxes next to each other.

I do prefer downloads as I like to embrace new technologies although I do have a irrational fear of losing all my downloads and not being able to get them back.

Yes. That would be a terrible thing to happen. But at least I don't have to worry about downloads getting scratched or dirty which can stop physical games from playing.

I prefer owning the actual game. It's nice to be able to loan/trade/sell it if you want.

physical. looking at the box is cooler

I think downloads are great for portable gaming.
When I take my dsi out of the house I'm only going to bring a few physical cartridges. Now though I have more choice of what to play when I'm out because of dsiware

Hope that answers your question.

Anyways, it depends for me. Mostly I prefer downloads, since they're cheaper, take up less shelf space, and don't own any systems older than a PS1. But I also like getting physical copies, since they don't take up the storage space on my other consoles, and I can show them off.

Physical copy since I am a collector.

There is some advantages of having physical copies:
1.) It is tough to emulate some systems currently based on what I heard.
2.) Homebrew video games for the Colecovision, Intellivision, Atari 5200 and the Sega Genesis for an example are available on Cartridge only because homebrew authors don't share the rom or the code with anyone else. That means Homebrew video games can't be played on emulators.
3.) You can sell your games.
4.) You don't have to worry about losing

Here are some disadvantages of having a physical copy of a game.
1.) Older systems are known to breakdown due to use and age.
2.) Some systems have durability problems and can't last for a while like the 360 for an example.
3.) Takes up space for games and systems.
4.) Games cost more.

Physical for me. While download is technically better since you can download the game again if your digital copy is messed up and it doesn't take any physical space, the feeling you get when you play the game on the original console can't be beaten.

I would defindently go for phsycical copy, but I also respect digital downloads, especially from Virtual Console.

So yeah, both are great, but I go with phsycical copies for newer games.

Both.