The True Cost of Digital Games - Microsoft’s New Xbox is their Worst Deal Ever

Summary

The video analyzes the new Xbox Series X model, which lacks a disc drive but saves consumers $50, raising important questions about the value of digital versus physical gaming. It reveals that breaking even on the savings requires buying about 30 games, while historical pricing shows digital games often end up cheaper. The discussion emphasizes the convenience of digital purchases, the potential savings from used games, and the advantages of game sharing with physical copies. Ultimately, a mixed strategy of digital and physical purchases is recommended for maximizing flexibility and savings in gaming.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microsoft has released a new Xbox Series X model that is disc-less and $50 cheaper.
• 💰 The savings from opting for a digital-only console can be significant, but it requires commitment to digital gaming.
• 📊 To break even on the savings, you'd need to buy approximately 30 physical games at current prices.
• 🕰️ Being patient and waiting for sales can lead to substantial savings on digital games, often exceeding $400 per game over time.
• 👾 Historical sale pricing and tools like PS Deals can help track when to buy games for the best price.
• 🎮 Physical media still holds value for trade-in opportunities and lending games to friends.
• 🏪 Local GameStop prices for used games are competitive with online platforms, but Facebook Marketplace often offers better deals.
• ⌛ Digital downloads provide convenience, often allowing for immediate play without waiting for installation and updates.
• 🔒 Digital purchases are essentially licenses, meaning access could be lost if servers go down, while physical games can be preserved more easily.
• 📅 Subscriptions like PlayStation Plus can greatly reduce the overall cost of gaming, sometimes even making digital purchases more cost-effective.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video discusses the pros and cons of the new disc-less Xbox Series X, particularly in comparison to physical and digital game purchases.

How much savings does the disc-less Xbox Series X offer?

The disc-less model saves you $50 compared to the disc version.

What is the main challenge when assessing the value of digital versus physical games?

Determining how many games you need to buy to break even on the $50 savings from choosing the digital version is complex.

How many games need to be purchased to offset the $50 savings?

You would need to buy approximately 30 non-used games to break even on the $50 savings.

What key advice does the video give for saving money on games?

The video advises gamers to be patient and wait for sales, as digital games can often be significantly cheaper during promotions.

What advantages do used games offer over digital ones?

Used games can be significantly cheaper, can be resold, and allow for sharing with friends without account restrictions.

How does convenience factor into the digital versus physical debate?

Digital games offer instant access and ease of download, while physical games require travel and time for installation and updates.

What role do subscriptions play in the gaming cost equation?

Subscriptions like PlayStation Plus can provide access to a large library of games, making digital purchases more economical when considering total costs.

What conclusion does the video reach regarding game purchasing strategies?

A mixed strategy involving both used and digital games is often the most cost-effective approach, balancing flexibility and savings.

What does the video suggest about game preservation and digital licenses?

Digital purchases are essentially leasing a license, which can be lost if servers go down, while physical games require updates that may also be unavailable in the future.