Switch Why are Digital Downloads so expensive?

[Verringer]

I've been putting off buying Breath of the Wild for a while now because I wanted it on download rather than a physical copy so I don't have to switch cartridge and I'm not wasting / paying for packaging.

It doesn't make sense though - the download code costs £60 but the physical copy can be purchased as low as £45.

Surely it'd make sense for it to be the other way around given that the physical copy can be shared / resold and the download code is tied to your account.

Does anyone have any insight as to why this is happening?

 

[Projecki]

Was just thinking about this early this morning! Only reason I’ve held off on Splatoon and Mario Kart. Just too inconvenient to carry around more than one physical game.

 

[Croc]

The costs are different, not eliminated. An online retailer has to buy and maintain expensive servers capable of handling multiple download requests quickly and reliably.

Even for a packaged product, the physical disc and case with shipping is a very small amount of the price of an individual unit.

Also...
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-explains-why-digital-games-stay-more-expen/1100-6428760/