Can I Trade My Physical Games for Digital?

The answer to whether you can trade your physical games for digital is a bit complex, as it depends on the gaming platform and the specific game you want to trade, but generally, Sony and PlayStation do not offer a direct trade-in program for physical games to digital versions, although you can sell your physical games via eBay or GameStop and then use the funds to purchase digital games. However, some PS4 games can be upgraded to digital PS5 versions if you have a PS5 console with a disc drive, and you can insert the eligible PS4 game disc and follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade.

FAQs About Trading Physical Games for Digital

General Information

1. Can you convert physical games to digital PS5?: Yes, you can upgrade an eligible PS4 game on disc to the digital PS5 version if you have a PS5 console with a disc drive.
2. Is it better to buy physical games or digital?: The main difference is that physical games tend to go down in price after a while, much faster than it happens with digital copies, making physical copies a better choice if you’re buying the game months after its release.
3. Do people still buy physical copies of games?: Although physical sales have been on a steady decline over the past decade, some people still prefer buying physical copies for various reasons, including resale value and no subscription needed.

Digital Game Sales and Trends

4. Do digital games sell more than physical?: Yes, apparently, 90% of video game sales in 2022 were digital, indicating a significant shift towards digital gaming.
5. Why are digital games more expensive than physical copies?: One reason is inventory cost, as storing a physical copy of a game takes up space that could be used for another game, and retailers price physical games to sell before they become a loss.
6. Are physical copies of games worth anything?: A physical copy of a game in good condition may become a collector’s item as games move further away from physical copies, potentially increasing its value.

Gaming Platforms and Policies

7. Can you swap game disc to digital in GameStop?: No, GameStop will only give you a refund for an unopened game or normal trade-in value for an opened game, with no exchange program to switch a physical disc for a digital download.
8. Can you transfer PS4 disc to digital?: Yes, you can insert the eligible PS4 game disc, go to the game hub, select the upgrade offer, and download or purchase the content to transfer your PS4 game to a digital version.
9. Do I have to rebuy disc games for PS5 digital?: It depends on the game, as some PS4 games can be upgraded to digital PS5 versions at no additional cost, while others may require a purchase or be available for a limited time.

Game Ownership and Rights

10. Is it legal to make copies of games you own?: Under certain conditions, yes, you can make a copy of an original computer program for archival purposes only, if you are the legal owner of the copy and destroy or transfer the copy with the original when you’re done.
11. Do digital games take up more space?: No, both physical and digital games take up the same amount of space on your device, as physical games also need to be downloaded to your device.

Gaming Industry and Sales

12. Why are hard copies of games cheaper?: Retailers set the price for physical sales, and they are more likely to lower their price to move copies, whereas publishers set the price for digital stores.
13. What is the number 1 most bought game?: The best-selling video game to date is Minecraft, with over 300 million copies sold across all platforms.
14. What is the 2 best-selling game of all time?: Minecraft is also the second best-selling game, with 238 million copies sold as of 2021.

Consumer Preferences and Trends

15. Why do people still buy discs?: Some people prefer buying physical copies, such as CDs, for reasons like improved sound quality and the ability to own a physical copy of their favorite music or game, which can be displayed or shared with others.