The PSP Go, Sony's latest and prettiest handheld gaming device, was released last week. As a PSP 3000 owner, the Go doesn't really appeal to me, but it certainly does catch my eye. Beyond its gaudy price tag ($250!?! I can get a Wii for less than that!) and sleek appearance, the Go is an attention grabber because all of its content comes via digital download only. The UMD has gone the way of Lindsay Lohan's sanity, could console discs be soon to follow?

As a Classic Gamer (all because I've been playing games for over 30 years doesn't mean I'm old) my natural inclination is to say no. Game cartridges and discs have been essential to gaming since it was invented. Holding a game is part of the tactile experience of being a gamer. There's just something special about having a long desired title in your hands. 

That said, with bigger and bigger hard drives being released, and the incredible success of downloadable music as a model, a gamer can't help but see the writing on the wall. For better or worse, the PSP Go is a glimpse at the gaming industry's future. But are you ready for it? Can it really work?

Naturally this leads to our newest question of the week. Are you ready to live in a world without game discs? Personally I'm not. With online play gamers have become reclusive and rude enough, what happens when every title is downloadable? Will anyone ever get out off of their couch again? I like going to the store and talking with other gamers. I like the excitement of waiting in line at midnight for a game I've been looking forward to for months. And yes, I realize its ironic that the above statement comes from a guy who's the editor of a downloadable game website, but I'm not ready to give up my games just yet.  

But what do you think? Let your voice be heard by answering our poll. Don't like our choices? Write your thoughts in the comments section of this post. Have a question you'd like to have asked? Email it to me at tterrones@gamepro.com.

Follow me on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/terryterrones 

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DaveRudden

With downloadable games, you're saving a lot of money in disc production and distribution costs. Unfortunately, most of the UMDs-turned-PSP Go titles and Xbox 360 Games on Demand don't reflect that yet. When we start seeing appropriately priced fully-featured downloadable games, that's when I'll start buying them.

8ruc3

DaveRudden wrote:

With downloadable games, you're saving a lot of money in disc production and distribution costs. Unfortunately, most of the UMDs-turned-PSP Go titles and Xbox 360 Games on Demand don't reflect that yet. When we start seeing appropriately priced fully-featured downloadable games, that's when I'll start buying them.

You're right. But I will always prefer to buy a game with a case, a booklet and a disc.

TheGearofWar

I cannot imagine a world without physical games with cases and manuals inside. I'm with those who agree that the physical makeup of a game exists in tearing it open and popping it into your system. That is MORE than half the fun. I don't want redeemable codes or online purchasing to be the future. Sure, it would save a few bucks for the companies, but in all honesty, I don't think it would work out. Sure, iTunes is doing well in the music department, as CDs are being a thing of the past, but video games are different. Don't take it away from me. Never.

JoeDeLia

I used to be obsessed with cases, but that has faded very quickly over the past few months. XBLA and PSN have opened my eyes to digital releases, and I honestly wouldn't mind getting all of my games that way as long as the pricing gets fixed.

So, Sony and Microsoft, about that pricing...

8BitJay

I love the idea of downloading my games. Hopefully we won't have to deal with bandwidth caps when that all happens.

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