UPDATE: GAME has called claims of it ending in-store physical game sales "categorically not true" in a statement to Eurogamer. The retai?ler assured it would continue to support the physical games market, and keep selling boxed games and hardware.

Our original story follows below...

For years, GAME was my go-to store for buying video games. I would run in every time I passed by as a kid, and getting to p?eruse it for new and old titles was always so exciting, even more so when my parents agreed to buy one for me. Now, though, ga??mes will be the one thing GAME won't be stocking on its shelves.

According to Gfinity, which spoke with sources familiar with the UK retailer's plans, GAME plans to end sales of physical video games as well as hardware in store. You'll still be able to pre-order physical copies of new releases (so my Sonic X Shadow Generations pre-order thankfully isn't going to be cancelled), but anyone who wanders in going forward won't be able to just grab a boxed copy of upcoming releases like Star Wars Outlaws or the new Mario & Luigi and take it straight home to play. This could mean an end to midnight console launches as well if GAME isn't planning to stock new hardwar??e like the Nintendo Switch 2.

As disappointing as this news will be for some people, this was perhaps a long time coming. Earlier this year, GAME opted to no longer accept trade-ins, and thus stopped selling pre-owned games as well. It's also spent the last several years becoming a more general toy store, in part due to declining interest in physical media. In a 2023 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, managing director Nick Arran said, "We wanted a new proposition that attracted new customers. ... Our main industry is in decline so we need to plug that gap, but also for the future to bring in these new customers, and get them off of online? retailers."

Arran also vowed GAME would be the "last man standing selling physical video games," adding, "We see our place in the market as proving that there is a pla?ce for physical, whether that be the collector's editions, which we see as the vinyl of video games, or the gifter who doesn't want to wrap up a download code for Christmas." Although he admitted that he had to be realistic: "We have a business to run and the expectation is this will decline. So we need to fill that gap."

Even so, the retailer's shift away from traditional video games has, according to Gfinity, upset a number of GAME staff. Combined with a string of low-level layoffs back in April, with it reported that staff would be offered zero hour contracts, it's suggested there's very little faith in the brand nowadays. Wh?o even knows if GAME primarily being a toy shop will keep its doors open for the foreseeable future.

Ultimately, this is another worrying blow to the physical games market, and it's not the only one either. As spotted by Lost in? Cult marketing director Ryan Brown on? Twitter, the website for online UK retailer Hit, which has been one of my go-to sites for new video game releases, suddenly shut down over the weekend with no warning. I can confirm the website is down at the time of writing, only bringing?? up a 404 Not Found notice.

One Reddit user was able to get in contact with Hit, which confirmed it had "ceased to trade," but promised the business would be reorganised and return at some point.?? However, it's been suggested Hit had been struggling financially beforehand, making the odds of its supposed comeb??ack quite unlikely. This one's a real shame since Hit's prices were cheaper than most competitors. All in all, the future of physical games distribution is looking bleaker than ever.

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This is my island in the sun

The ultra-charming island adventure title Tchia has surpassed one million sales since its initial release last month �This accomplishment was proudly announced by publisher Kepler Interactive and developer Aw?aceb just six weeks on from the title's release on PlayStation and PC platforms.

The sunny funny RPG puts the player in the role of the titular adventurer, who must explore a tropical island while searching for the whereabouts of her missing father. Blessed with the ability of "soul-jumping", Tchia is able to leap into the b??odies of other sentient and inanimate beings, using the speed, agility, and abilities of these creatures and items in order to navigate the world and overcome its obstacles. Tchia is also "armed" with a magical ukelele,? which she can use to alter the game world, summoning animals, changing the time of day and weather, and affecting the landscape itself.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBhlxXbcyC4&ab_channel??=Awaceb

With its unique concepts, cartoonish and expressive visuals, and overall wholesome vibe, Tchia won over critics and fans, receiving mostly positive response from both. Already available to purchase in digital form, Maximum Games has announced that it will be releasing a physical edition on PS4 and PS5 on July 18, which should be readily available online and from high street retailers, which will no doubt add to Tchia impressive sales record. It's a fine success story for a humble and heartfelt release, and the title itself is well worth checking out for a lazy weekend of?? fun in the sun.

Tchia is av?ailable now on PlayStation and PC (via?? Epic Games Store.)

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For all of the most devout followers

We still have a few months left in the year, but I think it's fair to say that Cult of the Lamb is one of the most memorable games to come out of 2022. It's got the perfect balance of roguelike hack-and-slash action and engaging community sim mechanics, all wrapped up in an adorably twisted art style. I can't speak for anyone else, but I honestly think Cult of the Lamb should be up as a Game of the Year contender, because it managed to blend some of our favorite gameplay mechanics to make one of the most unique titles we've seen in a while. If you haven't gotten around to playing it yet, or you're just a megafan, then you're in luck -- pre-orders for physical copies Cult of the Lamb a??re now available for pre-order for PS5 and Nintendo Switch.

The pre-orders are open for the US, UK, and AU regions (as well as Spain), and hopefully players in other areas of the world will have access to the Cult of the Lamb physical copies soon. The standard edition of the game comes with special art on the interior of ??the box, as well as a copy of the original soundtrack (CD for the EU, digital copy for the US), and a soft cover, 104 page art book. Players with the standard physical copy will also be able to download the DLC with their purchase. The price for the retail version of the game is still TBD.

Then there's the next tier up: the Special Reserve Games Single version for Switch and PS5 that comes with reversible cover art, spot UV treat??ment on the case, and a 32 page instruction ?manual with full color art. This version will go for $34.99.

//twitter.com/cul??tofthelamb/status/1585426076851109889

If you really want to spring for something special, there's also the Special Reserves Edition for both the Switch and PS5 for the collectors out there. Because there are only a limited number of this version, each one comes sequentially numbered. It will also have the reversible cover art and UV spot treatment from the Single version, as well as a fancy collectible box, the instruction manual, a one-in-a-series art card, a digital download of the soundtrack -- oh, and it's signed by the devs. The Special Reserves Edition will run you $49.99, which I honestly thi??nk is a pretty good deal considering what you're getting. Th??e DLC will come on a disk for both of the Special Reserve Games editions.

But wait, there's more! Fans can also grab a Special Reserve Games hardback art book for $59.99, which has 160 pages of full color art, and also comes signed by the developers. That's a whole cornucopia of Cult of the Lamb content for fans to feast on, and that doesn't even include the sold out $224.99 True Believer Edition that came with an adorable lamb plushie.

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Switch, PS4, and Xbox One editions announced

You might've already dipped in, but if not �or if you're fine doubling up �then it's good to know that a physical edition of Cuphead is on the way from iam8bit and Studio MDHR.

As shared on Twitter, the Cuphead physical edition is "coming soon" to Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. The DLC, The Delicious Last Course, will be included on the disc, which isn't always the case but would've been egregious i?n this situation �it's so crucial.

As for regional releases, "Cuphead will come to retail with ESRB, PEGI, USK, and ACB versions," according to iam8bit.

//twitter.com/iam8bit/status/1575470762235875329

The distributor is taking "keep me in the loop" email sign-ups today �but no word on release timing yet. With how widespread the Cuphead brand has become, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunit??ies to snag a physical copy at a reasona??ble price.

An eventual spiffy collector's edition would be great to see as well �there's so much art to consider �but an all-inclusive standard physical release is a good step.

It's truly one of my favorite games of the last decade, and for many of us, even folks who have moved mostly to digital, it's worth?? adding to the physical collection.

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As well as an exclusive edition from iam8bit

One of the most intriguing games of the summer is an adventure starring a cat �being, well, a cat �in a human-less city. Stray releases digitally for PS4, PS5, and PC on July 19, but if ??you're looking to p?ick up a physical copy, that's coming later. You've got two options.

The most basic physical edition of Stray on PS4/PS5 is due on September 20, for $40, and there's also an iam8bit exclusive edition for $45 that's shipping in Q4 2022.

According to iam8bit, pre-orders for the standard retail edition of Stray will "start to open up this week," so keep an eye on your preferred retailer. The exclusive edition, however, is up for grabs today?? with no deadline to worry about yet �it's an "open pre-o??rder."

Here's what comes in the (slightly pricier) box:

[caption id="attachment_334617" align="alignnone" width="1365"] _{The physical Exclusive Edition of Stray for PS4/PS5.}[/caption]

Stray's exclusive edition has a matte black sleeve, a 14.4" x 24" poster featuring our inquisitive hero, a "fuzzy, pettable" ?c??henille patch, and six art cards.

Something else to keep in mind: digital copies will normally cost $30 (though there's currently a 10 percent off discount on Steam), and Stray will also be playable at no extra cost on PS4/PS5 if you're subscribed to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium.

I'm glad the wait isn't too long for the physical vers??ion, as that can be a fr??equent concern. Best case, maybe you can check out the game with PS Plus Extra to see if it's worth adding to your shelf, without needing to fully double-dip (or wait until September).

Annapurna Interactive and BlueTwelve Studio recently posted a "spoiler-free introduction to Stray," if you're curious? to see a bit more about the game and its world. This? knocking-stuff-over tweet is also another biggie �I feel like it sums up the game's whole vibe.

//twitter.com/A_i/status/1546558650600148992

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Manufacturing delays have led to both versions getting a delay

Those who like to solve crimes and dive into minds, and also live in Europe, will have to wait a little longer. AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is getting delayed, both physically and digitally, to Jul??y 8 in Europe and Oceania.

Spike Chunsoft and partner Numskull Games say the delay is due to unforeseen manufacturing delays and global shipping slowdowns. This makes sense for the physical version getting backed up a bit. The digital version of the AI: The Somnium Files sequel is also get?ting delayed too though, to "maintain parity."

Meanwhile,?? the Nort?h American version is still due out on June 24, 2022.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN-qr1Kvv34

Enter the dream world

The pandemic has had a notable effect on suppl??y chains, and having physical versions of a game arrive later than expected happens.

But the decision has now also delayed the digital version of AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative. Maintaining parity for brick-and-mortar retailers is one thing. But two weeks is a lot of time to have to eithe??r tread carefully around communities where spoilers might pop up.

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is the follow-up to the first AI game. It's a timeline-bending, brain-diving mystery game where players have to solve puzzles in pursuit of its many strange occurrences. New characters are showing up, but one of the main protagonists is a returning major character from the previous game. What I'm saying is, plot spoilers would be a big concern. And now European fans might have to make a choice to wait and avoid discussions, or source a copy from a?nother region.

It is, in my opinion, a strange decision for Spike Chunsoft to make regarding these two different versions of the game. AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is coming ??to PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

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There's also a reasonable $40 standard edition

How much money is too much money to drop on a limited edition game? Well, plenty of us are stoked about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection, but are we "pay $150 for ?a collector's edition" stoked? ?I can see the crowd dispersing already.

Konami showed off the TMNT collector's box today across PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch and opened pre-orders at retailers like Best Buy and Target.

Priced at a steep $150, this limited edition release of TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection i??ncludes a physical copy of the game, a 16" by 24" cloth poster, a 4.5" by 5" layered acrylic diorama, five enamel pins, 12 translucent trading cards, and a 5.5" by 8" 180-page artbook with "a chapter dedicated to each of the 13 games in the compilation." That said, the lack of a cool soundtrack inclusion in this set will be a deal-breaker for some fans.

Maybe you'll just stick to the digital copy, but the allure of a physical version is pretty strong here given some of the beloved games in this compilation like Turtles in Time. Thankfully, there's a standard edition, too �it'll be available for $40. Among other retailers, Amazon is currently taking pre-orders for PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Switch.

[caption id="attachment_317432" align="aligncenter" width="640"] _{Nintendo Switch box art for the standard physical copy of TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection.}[/caption]

What about pizza?

My favorite part of all of this: someone asked about a possible Pizza Hut coupon in the game's customer Q&A section ?on Amazon.

I see you, and I get you.

To not-so-quickly recap, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection comes with a bunch of games —�strong>TMNT (arcade), Turtles in Time (arcade + SNES), TMNT (NES), TMNT II (NES), TMNT III (NES), Tournament Fighters (NES + SNES + Genesis), The Hyperstone Heist (Genesis), Fall of the Foot Clan (Game Boy), Back from the Sewers (Game Boy), and Radical Rescue (Game Boy) �so it shoul?d be a damn goo??d time. I almost can't believe it's real.

If you're curious about the artbook (I am!) and are skipping the collector'?s box, the game itself will have "never-before-seen development art, sketches, and game design material."

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PC, PlayStation, and Xbox versions are due this fall

Whether you intentionally held off getting the one and only Nintendo Switch version of No More Heroes 3, or you kinda just let it slip, some great news: it's also coming to PS4, ??PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in fall 2022, including a physical release from XSEED.

There's a lot to praise in No More Heroes III �it's a blast to see Suda51 unleashed like this �but graphics and performance aren't a part of that lovefest. Players just had to tolerate them. The upcoming ports should be a step?? up, but whether the game runs "ideally" on these platforms or simply "better than it did on Switch" remains to be seen.

In today's announcement from XSEED Games, the publisher cited "improved HD visuals, framerates, and faster loading times." You hear that, Gold Joe? Time's up.

[caption id="attachment_317104" align="alignnone" width="1920"] _{What's inside the No More Heroes 3 Day 1 Edition.}[/caption]

Apart from a digital release on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, XSEED will be bringing out a physical No More Heroes 3 Day 1 Edition this fall. The boxed edition will cost $60 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, ??and Xbox Series X/S with a copy of the game (it's weird to have to mention this nowadays!), a 70-page softcover art book, a CD with "select songs," and a 7"x4" Santa Destroy license plate. The cover art is illustrated by artist Yusuke Kozaki.

When it comes to timed Nintendo Switch exclusives like this, it's almost always a gamble on where they'll end up when the dust fully settles. I wouldn't have predicted an Xbox release for No More Heroes 3, but PS4 and/or PC? Sure. Now are you in, or are you in?

Travis loves to hate FU, and so will you.

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Digital PlayStation launch scheduled for May 10

Unpacking was one of the purest gems in the indie game space last year, and if you missed it on PC, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, there's good news on two fronts: additional platforms, and a physical edition. Humble Games and developer Witch Beam are rolling out Unpacking on PS4 and PS5 on May 10, including a p????hysical release from Limited Run Games.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeVCBPVlN9w

Pre-orders are open as of this morning, if you'd like to peek �the physical PS4,? PS5, and Switch copies are $34.99 each, which is in line with prior Limited Run, err, ?runs.

The?? main extra is a "collector's sleeve," though I imagine the main appeal for fans is just having a chance to get this great game on a shelf in an increasingly digital world.

Physical pre-orders are running until May 1

You've got until May 1 to make up your mind, and as a heads-up, physical games "?are typically not expected to ship until 4-5 months after the pre-order?? window closes."

[caption id="attachment_313950" align="alignnone" width="1600"] _{Unpacking physical editions for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch with a "collector's sleeve."}[/caption]

Yes, Unpacking is "just" a game about pulling items out of a box and f??inding an appropriate space for them �but it's extremely resonant! The act of organizing everyday and eclectic stuff has this soot??hing quality to it, and there's also a story unfolding quietly, almost behind the scenes, as you ponder what these possessions mean to their owner.

It's a contemplative game full of cute nods to gaming, pop culture, and life, some of which will go over players' heads, depending on their background. There's even a (legally distinct) GameCube that gave some folks a hard time; it's a funky-looking console, you know?

The little details make it. I distinctly remember playing Unpacking on a plane during the holidays �it's a "holiday game," through and through �and the guy next to me was surprised that this game even existed, conceptually. "Ooh, you're into that kind of stuff." He kept trying to get me to play Mario Kart 8 with him, but I wouldn't budge. I had to unpack!

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In like Flynn

[UPDATE: The game's all sold out! You can only get it ??by wi??nning it, now!]

Life is all about change. I recently moved to Denver to get a nice change of pace in life, but now have found myself back in Phoenix among the cacti and sand. I was in a snowy hot tub three weeks ago, and now I'm looking at 96 degrees this Saturday. 96 degrees in March! Why?! I miss the ice forming in my hair as I enjoy the single-digit temperature aroun??d me while Tears for Fears lulls me into ultimate Good Vibes mode. Pic included for posterity's sake.

Well I'm back in the desert now, which just goes to show that life is full of changes. Thankfully, one thing that hasn't changed is Super Rare Games puts awesome digital games onto physical Switch carts to make sure that when the great digital wipeout inevitably occurs, there will at least be some record of these games existing. Today they dropped Flynn: Son of Crimson, and if you're a fan of classic handcrafted 2D acti?on, ??you're gonna wanna jump in on this!

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3mjuB44pIE

I'll let the pros do the talking on this one.

A journey about discovery and conflict, Flynn: Son of Crimson follows our titular character, Flynn, as he learns to ma?ster the art of Crimson Energy while standing up against The Scourge invasion. Pairing up with your mythical companion Dex, the Guardian Spirit of the Land, it is up to you to protect the beautiful island of Rosantica from evil in this gorgeous 2D action-platformer.

Embrace the Power of Crimson Energy �Discover incredible powers drawn from Flynn’s mysterious lineage, and help him ?master the art of Crimson Energy.

An Epic Arsenal  - Dash and pierce ??wielding your trusty Crimson Blade, land p??owerful precision blows with the Crimson Axe, and unleash aerial superiority wearing the Crimson Claws.

A World in Peril - Uncover the ancient mysteries of Rosantica, and collect powerful relics to help face the sinister ??evils waiting for you in The Scourge.

An Unbreakable Bond - Summon your mythical companion, prote?ctor, and very good dog?go Dex in times of need, and charge alongside her into battle.

Master the Elements - Command elemental magic in the form of fire, ice, and lightning, and ??use it to overcome the obstacles and enemies in your path.

Handcrafted Adventure - Lose yourself in a beauti??fully handcrafted 2D world filled with gorgeous forests, fantastic realms, and w??ondrous creatures.

I'll never u?nderstand why more games don't have doggy companions.

To enter to win your copy of Flynn: Son of Crimson, drop your info in the widget below. It's that easy! Click around for bonus entries and make sure to entertain me and my curiosity. I do actually read thi??ngs when I ask questions in there, so your thoughts don't go unnoticed!

We have one physical Switch copy of the game to give away. Super Rare Games is super cool and super ship worldwide, so barring a few exceptions, anyone is eligible! If you're not? and happen to win, we'll make arrangements to get you something digital, instead. Otherwise no exceptions -- buzz off if you don't want this game. I'm taking my ball and going home, hmph! We'll draw winners around this time next week.

Flynn: Son of Crimson is available in physical form exclusively from Super Rare Games. If you're interested, though, act quick! Once they sell out, this sucker is gone for good! Nevermind they gone!

Dtoid Contest: Win Flynn: Son of Crimson on Switch?? from Super Rare Games

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This week's sale spans physical and digital games

It's not March 10 yet, but MAR10 Day �at least, the commercial aspect of this gaming holiday �is already in effect. Nintendo is hosting deals on several high-profile Nintendo Switch games, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury.

While the prices are about what you'd expect from Nintendo (and might be a tough sell if you're a mostly digital player), it's worth noting that the MAR10 Day Sale includes physical copies, too. Retailers like Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target are participating.

Here's a quick round-up of physical Switch deals:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ($39.99)
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury ($39.99)
• Luigi's Mansion 3 ($39.99)
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe ($39.99)
• Super Mario Maker 2 ($39.99)
• Yoshi's Crafted World ($39.99)
• Mario Tennis Aces ($39.99)
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle ($18.99)
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 ($38.28)
• Mario Golf: Super Rush ($49.94)

The pricing varies from retailer to retailer, and the Nintendo eShop is kind of doing its own thing, as usual. On that note, the digital copy of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is down to $9.99, and you can snatch up the Multiplayer Pack for Luigi's Mansion 3 at a slight discount �it's $6.99 right now. Poke around and consult Deku Deals for a price check, if needed.

[caption id="attachment_311320" align="alignnone" width="1300"] _{I can just *hear* this screenshot.}[/caption]

Running down the list, I'd say that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Bowser's Fury are the main draws this time around... if you need 'em. MK8 is, well, eternal �and there are a ton of tracks on the way this year (and into next!) with the Booster Course Pass. Bowser's Fury rules as a smaller-scale yet fresh take on a Mario platformer that has just enough meat on its bones to feel substantial. The music's great, too. It's a proof-of-concept, but a really fun proof-of-concept �and you're getting Super Mario 3D World in the same package.

Nintendo's MAR10 Day Sale runs until 11:59 p.m. Pacific on March 13.

Yeah, Luigi's pissed.

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The acclaimed indie RPG is getting a boxed copy for its console versions

Omori is making the leap from PC to consoles later this year. And today, Omocat confirms Omori is getting a physical version too.

A physical edition of Omori is currently up for pre-order, both on the Omocat website and Fangamer. It'??s available for both PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions, and Fangamer currently estimates this won't ship until June, as of this writing.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n6mZyZ2J34

The quirky, colorful, and tonally dark RPG Omori was confirmed for Switch at the end of last December's Nintendo Indie World Showcase. Originally released for just the PC at the end of 2020, Omori will now make its way to consoles. It looks to be a standard?? edition, with the stark black-and-white art on the front.

[caption id="attachment_310537" align="alignnone" width="600"] _{Image via Fangamer}[/caption]

This gorgeous, haunting story has picked up a pretty fervent following online. It's easy enough to draw comparisons to other offbeat RPGs, from EarthBound to Undertale. It has a style all its own, a battle system that uses characters' mental and emotional state as status effects, and a story that gets pretty dark the further in it gets. Really, it feels similar in tone to Yume Nikki.

If that sounds up your alley, then there's a physical edition of Omori available for pre-order right now. No date's been set yet for the digital versions, on Switch or PlayStation. The In??die World Showcase trailer put out a target of spring 2022, so hopefully we'll hear another update soon.

Otherwise, if you can't wait, Omori is available on Steam here.

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