[quote name='wii skiier']It's a very strong argument for the industry if sales are good because of that quality, but not necessarily for the consumer. No matter how cool digital distribution is, always keep in mind that without a physical product there is zero resale value. Cheapassgamer would cease to exist except as purely a discussion of games. There are "cheap" alternatives (i.e. used, clearance) to the current system, but the only "cheap" alternative to digital distribution is piracy.[/QUOTE]
I know what you're getting at, but the 40% off Wii accessories at TRU sale worked well enough for me. iPhone apps and games have gone "on sale" too, right?
Digital distribution will require a smarter, better-informed consumer. For some reason, there are parents out there prepared to drop $60 on a game accepting that their dumb kid will turn around and not like it. For now, they seem ok with trading it in to Gamestop and getting a measly pittance back towards the next game their kid will reject. Digital distribution will eliminate that avenue for this market. Are they prepared to swallow $60 knowing they can't return it, or even regift it? I doubt it. I think consumers will have to become more discerning. Demos will have to become the norm.
Of course, who's to say how things change? Maybe Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft will be forced to institute a partial refund grace period. 30% back within 30 days? Or maybe they'll allow you to regift a limited number of times.
As someone who doesn't resell my items, the whole thing is pretty moot.