We're at a retail turning point as digital sales are becoming more and more prevalent. However, physical copies of games are often better because various retailers often have better deals than digital stores do. Plus, physical games are easy to resell when you're done, and are great for collectors who like tangible copies. There are also rumors that both Best Buy and Walmart are planning to discontinue the sales of physical media in 2024, which might extend to video games. Regardless, the number of Black Friday deals going on now increases the chances of finding specific video games selling at a low price.
Quick Links
- Starfield | was $69.99 now $54.99
- Microsoft Flight Simulator | was $59.99 now $35.99
- Halo Infinite | was $59.99 now $14.99
- Forza Horizon 5 | was $59.99 now $29.99
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | was $69.99 now $34.99
- Super Mario RPG | was $69.99 now $57.60
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder| was $69.99 now $58.16
- Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | was $59.99 now $30
- Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | was $69.99 now $55.89
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons | was $69.99 now $49.10
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | was $69.99 now $51.99
Best Xbox Series X|S games
There are plenty of awesome video games for Xbox Series X or Series S consoles, but these are the biggest hits that you should definitely consider adding to your library. Many of them are on sale for Black Friday.
Best Nintendo Switch games
It's honesty hard to succinctly list the best Nintendo Switch games since there are so many to choose from. However, these are the titles that above others you really ought to have if you don't already.
Why I prefer physical media
• LIVE: Gaming curated deals
• Convertible 2-in-1 laptops
• Unbeatable Xbox bundles
• Discounted Dell laptops
• Razer gaming accessories
• Pre-built gaming desktops
• 4K and ultrawide monitors
• The best gaming laptops
I personally prefer to collect physical copies of games so I'm pretty sad to see that not only is Best Buy planning to discontinue the sales of physical media in 2024, but it's rumored that Walmart is too. This may or may not extend to video games, but it's possible that it does. Still, with the state of purchases increasingly becoming more and more digital, it makes sense that retailers will stop carrying physical copies of games at some point. I've already noticed that Walmart isn't carrying physical versions of some of this year's biggest games.
There are plenty of reasons to go digital, but physical games are really nice because they are often sold at better discounts since you can shop around at different stores rather than being stuck to one digital store. True, places like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy also sell digital versions of games, but these aren't as likely to go on sale as the physical copies do. Then if you're done with a physical game, you can sell them once you're done, which is something you can't really do with digital games. Plus, collectors like me can hold onto them to build up nice displays.
The good news here, though, is that Walmart and Best Buy are offering great discounts on their video game inventory, including the best Xbox games and best Nintendo Switch games. This even applies to some brand-new titles.
Thing is, this means it's a good idea to grab any physical games you might want while they're in stock because there's no guarantee that Best Buy, Walmart, or other retailers will be replenishing their physical copies before the holidays. At any rate, good luck deal hunting. I hope you can find all of the games you're looking for at low prices.
Best Buy Plus and Walmart Plus FAQ
What do you get with a Best Buy Plus membership?
Best Buy Plus memberships are $49.99 a year and give members free standard shipping, free two-day shipping, exclusive membership prices that are lower than public prices, and an extended 60-day return window. Additionally, you gain protection plans for your purchases, 24/7 tech support, and 20% off repairs.
What do you get with a Walmart Plus membership?
Walmart Plus memberships are unlocked by paying $98 a year or $12.95 a month. Members get access to early deals, free shipping, grocery delivery with no delivery fees, Paramount+ streaming, free flat tire and road hazard repair, and access to limited-time offers.
