Study: Physical Sony Games Can Be 40-50 Euros Cheaper Than Digital
New research indicates that a physical copy of a Sony game may be 40 to 50 euros less expensive than its digital counterpart on the PlayStation Store.
Sony announced it will cease releasing physical disc versions of its first-party games starting in 2028, reportedly aiming to cut production and distribution costs and increase profit margins.
Recent research highlights a significant price disparity between physical and digital game editions. The study found that a physical copy of a Sony title can cost between 40 to 50 euros less than the digital version available on the PlayStation Store. Many digital games reportedly remain at their initial launch price years after release.
Dutch media outlet Tweakers utilized its Price Watch tool to compare the costs of physical and digital editions for various first- and third-party PlayStation games. Their findings suggest that boxed versions are not only generally cheaper but also receive promotional discounts more frequently than their digital equivalents.
For instance, the physical edition of "Saros" was priced between 55 and 70 euros, while the digital version on the PlayStation Store was listed at 79.99 euros. The price difference for "Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth" was even more pronounced, with the digital version costing 60 euros compared to a physical disc available for as low as 24.90 euros.
The research points out that the PlayStation Store rarely offers active price reductions or promotions. Consequently, digital versions of games released years ago, such as "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" and "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart," may still be sold at their original launch prices.