This is mostly down to the "value they derive" from the second-hand market, they reckon. We still "fear losing digital" copies - love to collect.
We're hoarders by nature is what they're saying. "I believe the preference for physical discs amongst next-gen gamers reflects the potential value they derive from the pre-owned market, which is holding up the preference for physical – this is unlike the music and film markets,” said director Ian Bramley of Ipsos MediaCT, reports MCV.
“Physical games discs have a long and well-established history, which is a deep mindset to change – particularly when gamers build a physical collection as they fear losing digital versions. And in-store browsing is also important to buyers.”
Sony launched the digital only PSPgo but has admitted that they greatly underestimated the consumers' desire to have something physical in their hands, which is why the handheld bombed at retail over the more traditional PSP models.