BTTR Roundup #83: What's next for gaming, plus foldable phones and 93 epic deals

Gaming is changing, and not for the better.

With Sony's announcement this week that it would cease producing physical copies of its games from January 2028, I've spent a decent amount of time thinking about what gaming might look like in the future.

It's a complex issue, with lots of considerations. There's the increasing cost, and the knowledge that already many people are priced out of a modern games experience.

There's game preservation, and the inevitable loss of countless pieces of gaming art due to the fact that titles will inevitably become controlled by the digital distribution platforms.

And there's the industry itself, which is driven by corporate executives focused on profit rather than the medium.

That said, I can't help but feel there's an opportunity in the gaming space right now.

The PS5, Switch 2 and Xbox Series X are all so pricey (not to mention the new Steam Machine), that a console built around mid-range specs for games on par with PS3/PS4 flagship titles could help bring the cost of gaming back to a more reasonable level.

Particularly if its access to games isn't subscription based, but through affordable gaming bundles.

I don't think we'll see a return to physical media, though. The days of inserting a disc into a console are soon to be extinct.

Until next week

Nick @ BTTR

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This week's news

• The real cost of gaming going digital-only isn't the console. It's everything after » I captured some of my thoughts on the gaming industry here this week. Let me know what you think.
• Kobo and StoryGraph are now reading from the same page » It's effortless to set up.
• The Motorola razr fold is here, and it brings Bose speakers and a very big battery » Motorola's Signature is still my favourite phone this year, but I'm keen to see what it brings to the premium foldable world with this one.
• Honor's Australian phone family just got a very slim, very loud upgrade » Honor's also playing in the foldable phone space. This could be interesting
• Shark's SilkiPro wants to end your three-step hair routine » I said your hair routine. Sadly, my hair routine is nearly non-existent.
• Epson's XP-980 is for people who want proper photo prints » I once tested a giant photo printer. It was awesome. I don't know what I did with the prints, though.

New reviews

• OPPO Find N6 review: An exceptional straight shooter » Arguably the best foldable you can buy right now, though we're about to see a lot more hit the market very soon, including Samsung's 2026 Fold models.

Best deals this week

Here's a taste of this week's top deals. There are 93 total this week.

76L InstaView Series 9 Steam Oven - Stainless - BO609T2S4

LG A$2,699.00 A$1,599.00 41% off

Viewdeal

Google Pixel 8 Pro 5G (Dual Sim, 128GB/12GB, 6.7'') - Bay

Mobileciti A$1,689.00 A$799.00 53% off

Viewdeal

JBL Bar 1300MK2

JBL A$2,299.95 A$1,599.95 30% off

Viewdeal

Fuji Xerox 106R01582 Image Drum Unit

Cartridges Direct A$777.72 A$215.16 72% off

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$500 OFF* Samsung 75" LS03H The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV 2026 (QA75LS03HEWXXY) - $2,495

The Good Guys A$2,995.00 A$2,495.00 17% off

Viewdeal

Tineco FLOOR ONE i7 Stretch Steam

Tineco A$999.00 A$599.00 40% off

Viewdeal

Rode RodeCaster Pro II Integrated Podcast - Production Studio White

Camera House A$1,099.00 A$699.00 36% off

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Qi2 25W Magnetic Car Charger & Blue AirPods Pro 3 FlickLock Case | ESR

ESR Tech A$173.22 A$125.37 28% off

Viewdeal

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These are affiliate links – I may earn a commission if you buy. It doesn't cost you anything extra. Prices were accurate when I pulled this together, but always check the current price before purchasing.

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