Video Games: Top Picks for Must-Have Physical Console Releases

2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for console gamers. Between new IPs already generating buzz and unexpected ports for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, there's enough to make your head spin. But for true collectors—those who love the weight of a game case and the smell of a brand-new disc—only one thing matters: the physical edition. We've sorted through the noise to unearth the gems that deserve a spot on your shelf.

How to Choose Your Next Physical Games

Before you take the plunge, let's review a few criteria to ensure you make the right choice.

Standard or Complete Edition: Which to Choose?

Most major titles come in several editions. The standard version is your entry ticket to the core universe. But if you're the type who wants the complete experience, the Ultimate Edition, like the one for Cyberpunk 2077, is often the best value. It includes the base game, all major expansions, and significant content updates. In the long run, it's a much smarter move than buying DLCs individually.

The Importance of Localisation and Physical Formats

For full immersion, ensure the game offers proper English localisation, with at least translated text and ideally voice-overs. As for the physical format, its advantages are undeniable: you truly own the game, you can lend it, resell it, and, most importantly, save precious gigabytes on your console's hard drive. And let's be honest, the feeling of adding a new physical PS5 game or a Switch 2 cartridge to your collection is priceless.

Our Selection of Physical Gems

Enough talk, let's get to it! Here are three titles that caught our eye, all available in physical format for next-gen consoles.

SAROS – PS5

From Housemarque, the Finnish studio behind gems like Returnal, SAROS PS5 is a new IP that promises to be as dark as it is demanding. A breathtaking dive into science fiction.

• Why it stands out: SAROS shakes up the third-person action/roguelike formula. You explore the planet Carcosa, a world that reconfigures itself with every death, guaranteeing near-infinite replayability. The story follows the personal and desperate quest of Arjun Devraj, blending exploration with environmental storytelling.
• Key features:
  • An ever-changing world: Every run is unique, with environments reconfiguring after each failure.
  • Visceral combat: Gameplay built on a hyper-precise shoot-and-dodge system where every move is a matter of survival.
  • A cryptic narrative: A personal odyssey to unravel the secrets of the planet and your own past.
  • Optimised for PS5 Pro: The game leverages the console's power for next-generation graphics and lighting effects.
• Who is it for?: For fans of a good challenge, fast-paced action games that are unforgiving, and mysterious sci-fi universes. If you mastered Returnal, SAROS is your next must-have.

See SAROS on PS5

Cyberpunk 2077 - Ultimate Edition – PS5

CD PROJEKT RED's masterpiece finally arrives in its ultimate physical edition on PlayStation 5. This is the perfect opportunity to dive into this monumental open-world RPG.

• Why it stands out: This Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition bundles the base game, fully patched and enhanced since its release, with its excellent spy-thriller expansion, Phantom Liberty. It is, quite simply, the definitive version for discovering or rediscovering Night City.
• Key features:
  • The complete package in one box: Get access to every story, quest, and update, including the Phantom Liberty expansion.
  • An incredibly dense universe: Explore Night City, an organic megalopolis where every alley has a story to tell.
  • Choices that truly matter: Your decisions heavily impact the fate of the characters and the outcome of your adventure.
  • A mature and uncompromising story: A decidedly adult title (rated ESRB M for Mature 17+) that explores the dark themes of a dystopian future.
• Who is it for?: For players seeking a deep, immersive, and adult RPG adventure that offers exhilarating freedom of choice and a branching narrative. Perfect for those who want to (re)discover one of the greatest gaming experiences of recent years.

See Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition on PS5

Cyberpunk 2077 - Ultimate Edition – Switch 2

Night City in your pocket? That's the bold promise of this highly anticipated release on Nintendo's new console. This port is shaping up to be a true technical marvel and a golden opportunity for a new audience to discover this phenomenal Switch 2 game.

• Why it stands out: Getting a behemoth like Cyberpunk 2077 to run on a hybrid console is a small technological miracle. This version has been specially optimised to leverage the power of the Switch 2 and deliver a complete experience in handheld mode.
• Key features:
  • The full adventure on the go: Take Night City and the Phantom Liberty expansion absolutely everywhere.
  • Switch 2 optimisations: The game benefits from dedicated enhancements like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and optimised loading times.
  • Everything on the cartridge: The game and its expansion are included on the physical media. No mandatory download required to play!
  • Full English localisation: Enjoy English text and voice-overs for perfect immersion.
• Who is it for?: For lucky owners of the Nintendo Switch 2 who want to tackle one of the greatest Western RPGs of the decade. It's also an excellent option for day-one fans who dream of roaming Night City on their commute.

See Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition on Switch 2

And That's Not All!

Our selection is, of course, just a taste. The catalogue of physical games is brimming with gems, whether you're a fan of action, strategy, or adventure.

To find your next favourite, explore our full catalogue.

Discover More Physical Games

Your Questions, Our Answers

How can I pre-order a game for 2026?

2026 pre-orders typically open on e-commerce sites like Joybuy several months before release, depending on publisher announcements. Our advice: activate alerts on the product pages for the games you're eyeing to be notified on launch day and not miss out.

What's the difference between a Standard and an Ultimate edition?

It's simple: the standard edition contains the base game, and that's it. An Ultimate, Gold, or Complete edition adds all major additional content (DLCs, expansions) released since launch. This is exactly the case with the Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, which includes the Phantom Liberty expansion.

Is a physical PS5 game compatible with the PS5 Pro?

Yes, absolutely. A physical PS5 game will work without issue on the standard PS5 (with a disc drive) and on the PS5 Pro. Even better, on the PS5 Pro, the game will often benefit from graphical enhancements (better resolution, higher framerate, etc.) if the developers have released an optimisation patch, as is the case for SAROS PS5.

By the Joybuy editorial team, July 28, 2026.