Target might be on the brink of phasing out physical media for movies and video games as early as next year, based on swirling rumors. The ongoing debate surrounding the relevance of physical releases in the gaming sector has gained momentum in recent times, with a majority of titles now accessible for digital purchase without the need to visit traditional retailers like Target. The emergence of subscription-based gaming platforms such as Xbox Game Pass has further fueled discussions, offering gamers a vast digital game library at a fraction of the cost of a single physical copy.
Despite the continued availability of physical game copies, including special collector's editions featuring exclusive bonuses like figurines and art books, many consumers are increasingly drawn to digital versions due to their convenience. With both Sony and Microsoft offering disc-free variants of their PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, speculation looms that the current console era might mark the end of physical releases. Nevertheless, proponents of physical media in the gaming realm, like GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen, emphasize its enduring significance, catering to a sizable audience that still favors discs over downloads.
However, a recent rumor hints at Target phasing out its physical media sales, sourced from a Twitter user known as President Of Physical Media. According to this unconfirmed claim, internal sources allegedly revealed that Target is contemplating discontinuing all physical media sales both in-store and online by 2025. While lacking official validation, several users in the online discourse highlighted the gradual reduction of movie and gaming sections within their local Target outlets in recent years, lending credence to the speculation.
Retailers Embracing Digital Shift
Should these speculations materialize, Target would join a growing list of retailers transitioning away from physical media in recent years. In the past year, Best Buy disclosed its intentions to halt physical media sales, while rumors circulated about Wal-Mart removing physical copies of Starfield amidst reports of its potential pivot towards digital-only offerings. Even tech giant Microsoft hinted at a future dominated by digital releases, as evidenced by significant layoffs within its physical media division earlier this year.
The potential demise of physical video game sales raises concerns among enthusiasts dedicated to preserving classic games that risk fading into obscurity if disc drives become obsolete. Nevertheless, it's essential to note that the gossip surrounding Target's alleged abandonment of physical media sales by 2025 remains unsubstantiated, and numerous avenues for physical game media still exist at present.