Physical copies account for 30% of console games owned in survey of 6,000 "premium gamers"

gamesradar.com Nov 4, 2026

Physical copies account for 30% of console games owned in survey of 6,000 “premium gamers”

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 4, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

A Newzoo survey of 6,000 premium gamers across six markets found that physical copies account for 11% of all games played and 30.4% of paid‑for console games owned. The study, conducted in August 2026, defines premium gamers as 18‑55‑year‑olds who play PC or Gen 9 consoles monthly and have played AA/AAA titles in the past year. Physical ownership is higher among older players and in the US and UK, while digital dominance is driven by convenience and instant access.

💡 Why It Matters

· The persistence of physical media challenges Sony’s planned 2028 shift away from discs, underscoring a segment of gamers who value ownership, offline play, and resale.
· This resilience could influence future platform strategies and the broader console market.

Capsules Gaming

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