Is physical ownership actually any better for game preservation?

[JWeinCom]

JackHandy said:

JWeinCom said:

At this point, with games requiring updates and patches to function properly, objectively yes. Physical has the same issues, plus degradation.

Haven't had to update my 2600 carts since I bought them, and they all work just dandy... forty-plus years later.

I like the responsibility of deciding how long my media works for and when I can have access to it. I don't like ceding control over what I buy. I want that control. Physical provides it.

OK then. Next time a game you want to play is released buy it on the Atari 2600 format then. The rest of us will be comparing the current options in gaming.

Last edited by JWeinCom - on 12 November 2025