Nintendo Didn't Win the Console War. It Might Win the Physical Game War
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As PlayStation and Xbox move toward a more digital future, Nintendo could become the last major platform where physical games still truly matter.

As PlayStation and Xbox move toward a more digital future, Nintendo could become the last major platform where physical games still truly matter.

  • MimicJar@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    4 days ago

    It’s a special case, but the Switch 2 Mario Kart launch bundle came preloaded with Mario Kart World digital. All previous versions of Nintendo consoles with a bundle came with physical media.

    But you could absolutely purchase a non bundle Switch 2 and a physical Mario Kart World (for $20 more).

    And you’re right that so far every first party game has had both a physical release and a digital release.

    • MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.netEnglish
      8·
      4 days ago

      All previous versions of Nintendo consoles with a bundle came with physical media.

      Not true. If anything I’m trying to remember the last one that came with the physical game. The MK8 Wii U bundle was digital. As were the ALBW 3DS bundles. There’s probably a few though, between the 2/3DS and Switch there have been quite a few collectors’ editions. Some with game, some without.

      • Zangoose@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        3 days ago

        Adding to the list of bundles, my new 3ds (still annoyed at that name) was bundled with animal crossing and it was digital as well

      • MimicJar@lemmy.worldEnglish
        4·
        4 days ago

        Oh interesting! So there must have been different bundles because my Wii U Mario Kart bundle came with a physical copy of the game and a special red Mario controller + plastic wheel.

        But looking online I do see the digital only bundle existed.

        My Switch 1 didn’t come with anything bundled and I brought a physical copy of Breath of the Wild.

        But when I bought my Switch 2 I saw Mario Kart was digital and Legends ZA was digital, so I assumed this was a new change over starting with this generation.

        • Zanshi@lemmy.worldEnglish
          4·
          3 days ago

          It’s probably a regional difference. There might not have been an official Nintendo Eshop in your region, so you had physical editions bundled, now that there is, the bundle is digital

          • MimicJar@lemmy.worldEnglish
            2·
            3 days ago

            I’m in the US, so they definitely have an Eshop and always have.

            I’m sure it’s just different bundles over the lifetime of the system.

        • MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.netEnglish
          4·
          4 days ago

          So there must have been different bundles because my Wii U Mario Kart bundle came with a physical copy of the game and a special red Mario controller + plastic wheel.

          There’s been a LOT of bundles. Either way, we both learned something today. I’d call that a win.