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Recently, fans have become furious over the “GTA 6” physical edition only containing a download code instead of an actual disc. This also comes as the Nintendo Switch 2 utilizes game-key cards for many of its third-party releases, serving as console-linked downloads rather than having the data stored on the card. But these worrying signs about the state of physical games comes with the silver lining that many games still receive a physical release. But more than just the games themselves, physical game manuals are slowly making a comeback — and gamers like us couldn’t be happier.
Several upcoming physical releases throughout the year — from both major studios and indie games – feature physical game manuals with their packaging. The collector’s edition of “Halo: Campaign Evolved” will be released with a revamped version of the “Halo: Combat Evolved” manual from 2001. In its physical release of “Super Bomberman Collection,” Konami is also including a game manual to commemorate the old-school compilation. Even the indie title “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” one of the best video games of 2025, will include a physical game manual with its non-digital edition.
In an era where physical editions are becoming collector’s items, the inclusion of a game manual is an incentive rather than a pragmatic tool.
Physical game manuals still exist in a digital world
Once a staple with both home and handheld console game releases, physical game manuals began to get phased out during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era. For example, Ubisoft announced it was discontinuing producing game manuals for its releases in 2012, reducing production costs and physical waste. Other major publishers soon followed suit, with instructions either provided digitally in-game or with tutorials more prominently developed to make learning gameplay more intuitive. Even Nintendo began putting its official manuals online, particularly for retro titles playable through the Nintendo Switch’s digital library.
Intrepid fans have taken matters into their own hands to fill the void left by the gradual disappearance of physical game manuals and strategy guides. Fan and writer Sandeep Rai has taken it upon himself to produce and sell physical game manuals for recent PlayStation releases, including titles as recent as the PlayStation 5 era. Selling them along with his more expansive gaming books through his website and Etsy store, Rai is tapping into the nostalgically tactile joy of flipping through a physical game manual. Major publishers would do well to take note from Rai’s example, hopefully bringing back manuals for physical releases, even if only as a collector’s edition incentive like “Halo.”
For every story about games going increasingly digital, the recent physical game manual news and people like Sandeep Rai prove that there is still hope for the tangible.
