physical game Archives

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

DIY Steam Cartridges Bring Physical Game Media Back To PC With SSDs

A Reddit user developed a game cartridge system for Steam using individual SATA 2.5-inch 128GB SSD drives, allowing for tangible management of game libraries. This system, created by u/Jibril-sama, directs Steam to the corresponding game page upon SSD insertion and operates on a Linux base, with Windows compatibility lacking auto-navigation. Another user, u/halcyonforeveragain, showcased repurposed SD cards for use with the Steam Deck, enhancing game transfer capabilities. However, modern titles may require SSD performance for optimal gameplay, as traditional hard drives and standard SD cards may not meet the necessary speed. The cost for a 128GB SD card and USB4 card reader is about USD, while a 128GB SATA SSD with a docking station costs approximately USD. Customizing cartridges with art or labels is also suggested for a personalized gaming library.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

This PC gamer turned old SSDs into gorgeous physical cartridges for Steam games

Sony has shifted away from disc-based gaming, sparking discussions about the future of physical game releases. A PC gamer, Jibril-sama, has created a cartridge-based gaming experience using repurposed 2.5-inch SSDs for storage, which connect to a PC via a SATA dock. He developed a script that allows users to access and launch games on Steam automatically when the SSD is connected. This setup has been demonstrated on Linux but is likely adaptable for Windows. The Reddit community has reacted positively, sharing ideas for creating tangible Steam game libraries. However, concerns exist about the reliability of second-hand SSDs for long-term storage due to potential data loss.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

GOG gently reminds us that it’s the leading PC gaming platform to offer full DRM-free games — yes, you can keep them forever

Sony is phasing out physical game discs and has removed 500 movies from its platform without compensation. Microsoft has laid off 3,200 Xbox game developers and suspended gamer accounts for reasons beyond users' control. GOG.com offers games without Digital Rights Management (DRM), allowing users to download standalone, offline installers and gain permanent ownership of their games. GOG's "Preservation Program" aims to keep games free from DRM.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Redditor fashions a ‘game cartridge’ system for their Steam library out of cheap SATA SSDs

A Reddit user named Jibril-sama is repurposing second-hand 2.5-inch SSDs into game cartridges for their Steam library, creatively combining physical media with digital gaming. Each SSD is encased in colorful housing featuring the game's cover art and can launch the game directly from a specially designed drive dock. Jibril-sama acquired several 128 GB SSDs for €7 each, highlighting the challenges of fluctuating prices in the memory market. The project reflects a trend among gamers who appreciate the tactile experience of physical media despite the dominance of digital downloads. Additionally, Sony plans to stop producing physical game discs after 2028, raising concerns about the future of the second-hand market and consumer choice. Many games on Steam still require proprietary software, prompting questions about ownership rights in the digital age.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

PC gamer finds a creative way to convert their Steam games into physical cartridges

Sony announced it will cease production of physical PlayStation game discs by 2028. A PC gamer has created a system using individual SSDs as "game cartridges," each containing a dedicated game. These SSDs are housed in custom cases with game cover art and connect to a PC via a SATA dock. When an SSD is inserted, a script automatically directs Steam to the corresponding game page and launches it. The SSDs used are 128GB drives purchased for approximately €7 each, though costs may vary now. The setup requires games to be launched through Steam, and updates must be managed via the platform.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

75% of all PS3 games reportedly now run on PC via open-source emulator RPCS3 — announcement comes weeks after Sony’s plan to shutter the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita by

RPCS3 is a multi-platform open-source emulator for PlayStation 3, with 2,681 out of 3,559 PS3 titles currently compatible. It allows gaming on Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD. The development team aims for full preservation of the PS3 library. Sony plans to cease production of physical game discs by 2028 and shut down the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita in 2027. Of the remaining titles, 816 are playable but have serious glitches, 60 can reach the main menu but do not load further, and 2 titles initialize but are stuck on a black screen. Emulation is not inherently illegal if users play games they own, as established by legal precedents. A DMCA takedown request from Atlus regarding Persona 5 was unsuccessful. RPCS3 has shown performance improvements, achieving a 5% to 7% boost in FPS, with some titles reaching over 1500 FPS.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

PC gamer made “physical copies” of Steam games – they launch from SSD cartridges

Sony has decided not to release PlayStation games on discs, reigniting discussions about the value of physical game copies. A tech enthusiast named Jibril-sama has created "Steam Game Cartridges," which use affordable 2.5-inch SSD drives to store game distributions. Each mini-SSD has a capacity of 128 GB and can be programmed to open and launch games on Steam automatically. Jibril-sama repurposed used cartridges, transforming them into stylish storage solutions that resemble physical game copies for the Nintendo Switch. This approach addresses limited SSD space while appealing to gamers' nostalgia for physical media.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

GOG is now my go-to storefront for buying PC games since Sony and Microsoft are seemingly against it

Major players in the gaming industry, such as Sony and Microsoft, have recently made controversial decisions, including Sony discontinuing physical game discs and removing 500 movies without refunds, and Microsoft laying off around 3,200 Xbox game developers while suspending user accounts without justification. In contrast, GOG.com has emerged as a proponent of digital preservation, offering DRM-free games that come with standalone offline installers, allowing users to own their games permanently and play them without an online store's permissions. GOG encourages users to save their games to discs for sharing and backup purposes.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Dutch consumer group suing PlayStation argues the end of physical discs just proves its point: ‘Sony alone decides what a game costs and even how long you are allowed to use it’

The Dutch consumer organization Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SM&C) is involved in a €400 million lawsuit against Sony over a 30% fee on games sold through the PlayStation Store, known as the "Sony tax." Sony plans to phase out physical game discs by 2028, which could eliminate the second-hand market and give Sony sole control over game pricing. Lucia Melcherts, chair of SM&C, expressed concerns that this would limit consumer options. PlayStation's projected revenue for 2025 is ¥4.69 trillion, but the lawsuit poses a significant challenge for the company. Analyst Daniel Ahmad suggests that Sony may need to adjust its policies regarding the PlayStation Store.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

The next PlayStation looks more and more like a PC, and that’s not a bad thing

Sony has announced it will cease physical disc production by January 2028. A petition to reverse this decision has garnered over 200,000 signatures. A nostalgic video from PlayStation's YouTube channel has resurfaced, reflecting gamers' emotional connection to physical media. Concerns about long-term ownership of digital content have been raised, particularly after reports of purchased titles being removed from users' libraries. The trend towards digital gaming is evident, with some gamers opting for the PS5 Digital Edition for convenience. The shift may impact local retailers and the second-hand market, as well as the experiences of trading or renting games. Limited edition physical disc releases and optional disc drives for future consoles could provide a compromise for both digital and physical media enthusiasts.