Those responses suggest there would definitely be some market for the disc-free option in the console market. But I also heard from plenty of people who wouldn't be ready to get rid of their own personal console disc drive just yet. The most common reasons included:
- Resale/purchasing of used games: Many respondents felt the savings on the disc-free console hardware would barely make a dent in the savings they already get reselling their old disc-based games when they're done with them. Others pointed out that disc-based games are often cheaper than their downloadable counterparts, whether via old games in bargain bins or deals like Amazon Prime's new game discounts (though downloadable console games are often subject to deep discounts as well). One respondent even noted that his monthly GameFly subscription would be useless on a disc-free console.
- Slow, unreliable, and/or capped Internet access: In many parts of the world (and even the United States), broadband quality isn't good enough to reasonably download games that can run dozens of gigabytes. Even where broadband quality is good enough, some people don't want to have to wait for downloads or worry about data caps on their home connection.
- Preservation: Downloads might be convenient now, but in 15 years, when your console or hard drive dies and the servers to redownload the game (and/or confirm your legitimate purchase) have been shut down, you might be out of luck. Disc-based games are more likely to "just work" in the long run, even if you have to buy replacement hardware.
- Travel convenience: Being able to simply loan a disc to a friend or take a disc over to someone's house is a lot easier than trying to lug an entire system along or signing in and downloading a game on a different console.
- Physical movies: No disc drive means no way to play your existing library of DVDs or Blu-Ray discs through the console.
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