Nintendo maintains 38.5% physical game sales share
Nintendo has stated that it's maintained a hefty proportion of physical game sales at 38.5%, suggesting that the company has no desire to kill physical media anytime soon.
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Nintendo maintains 38.5% physical game sales share — Saturday, August 8, 2026
Nintendo doubles down on physical media share; Madden NFL 27 early impressions highlight Persona Engine; Halo Studios hit with layoffs post-Campaign Evolved; Grounded 2 PS5 early access imminent. The gaming industry continues to see strong demand for high-priced AAA titles like GTA VI, while Sony plans to phase out physical disc production for new PlayStation games by 2028, signaling a shift toward digital-only releases.
Biggest developments
Madden NFL 27 review in progress notes strong on-field gameplay
We've done a little bit of everything in Madden NFL 27, and so far, the on-field gameplay shines as usual. The new Persona Engine is already making itself known in Franchise mode.
Grounded 2 PS5 early access set for August 11
Obsidian is preparing for the PlayStation 5 launch of Grounded 2 this month alongside the Into the Abyss update.
Important posts & threads
Big Walk review praises emergent puzzle moments
Big Walk is full of beautiful emergent moments as you find solutions to cleverly built puzzles and adventure between them in its vast open world.
Pokémon original series hits Disney+
The original Pokémon TV series is officially streaming on Disney+. Some of it, at least.
Halo Studios layoffs follow Campaign Evolved launch
Halo Studios Officially Hit With Layoffs Following Campaign Evolved Launch
Bullish takes
- Nintendo's physical sales holding at 38.5% signals sustained support for discs amid industry shifts.
- Madden NFL 27's Persona Engine drawing early praise for Franchise mode depth.
- Take-Two's confidence in GTA VI's $79.99 price point suggests sustained demand for premium AAA titles despite higher pricing.
Critical takes
- Halo Studios layoffs arrive despite strong Campaign Evolved reception.
- Ongoing studio cuts underscore persistent industry contraction into late 2026.
- Sony's move to end physical disc production for new PlayStation games by 2028 raises concerns about long-term accessibility and ownership of games.
Why this matters
Physical media persistence and engine tweaks offer rare bright spots while layoffs continue to thin the field ahead of fall releases.