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Physical copies account for 30% of console games owned in survey of 6,000 “premium gamers”
A survey of more than 6,000 “premium gamers” found that physical copies made up 11% of all games they played, but about 30% of the paid-for console games they owned. The findings suggest physical games remain a significant part of console ownership, despite expectations that discs and cartridges would disappear.
The August 2026 survey covered players in the US, UK, Germany, Poland, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, who played an average of 13.3 games a year. Across all games, 43% were individually owned, 19% came through subscriptions and 38% were free-to-play; among console games owned, 32% were digital and 30.4% physical. Physical purchases were associated with several reasons, while older players were somewhat more likely to buy games and use physical media.
In short
- Physical copies were 11% of games played.
- They made up 30.4% of paid-for console games.
- The survey covered over 6,000 players in six markets.
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The case for
Physical copies still make up a substantial share of paid-for console games owned, suggesting many players value having a tangible copy and the option to keep or lend it independently of a subscription. The survey also indicates that physical purchases serve several purposes for players, and that discs and cartridges remain part of console ownership despite the growth of digital access.
The case against
The figures also show that physical copies accounted for only 11% of all games played, while subscriptions and free-to-play together accounted for most gaming activity. That suggests physical media may be important to a portion of players without being central to how most games are accessed; the survey’s focus on “premium gamers” across six countries may also limit how broadly its ownership figures apply.
Explained simply
Console games can be bought as downloads or as physical copies, usually discs or cartridges. Players can also access games through subscriptions or play free-to-play titles, so the way people play does not always match what they own.
Game ownership matters to console makers, game publishers and retailers because it affects how games are sold and distributed. Physical copies can also be lent, resold or collected, while digital purchases are tied to online accounts and console stores.
Survey results depend on who was asked and how they were asked. This survey focused on “premium gamers” in six countries, so its figures describe that group rather than all people who play console games.