Digital vs Physical Disc

[catlover]

Hi, I was wondering if there is any advantage or difference purchasing the digital or physical disc version of the game and the expansion/stuff packs. Which would you recommend and why? Thanks.

[Bri]

One thing to bear in mind is that some of the Sims 3 expansions have content you can only get if you buy digitally rather than with a disc. 

For example, Sims 3 Pets has an additional 'cat and dog' costume pack you can download if you buy digitally.  Additionally, the digital version of the Sims 3 University Life has the School Spirit Pack, Sims 3 Supernatural has a Plants vs. Zombies decor pack, and Sims 3 seasons has a Shark costume (for all ages) and a bumblee costume (only for children).  I think Sims 3 Showtime has a simple radio if you get it digitally as well.

One reason you may want to look for physical discs is that you can still find some items that have Limited Edition content (the only way you could get the Limited Edition digitally is if you had preordered it via Origin).  Sims 3 Seasons Limited Edition included the Ice Lounge, Sims 3 Supernatural Limited Edition has some Plants vs. Zombies material (the peashooter plant is probably the favorite), Sims 3 Pets Limited Edition has a pet shop that you can place, Sims 3 University Limited Edition has the Party Pack Bundle and Sims 3 Showtime Limited Edition has a new venue and stadium to play in (if you purchase the Katy Perry edition, the limited edition will be included with it.)

And if someone really wants to get all the content this late, then it will require making two Origin accounts.  One would be with the physical discs registered, while the second one would be to repurchase the ones mentioned above for the Origin only content.  And yes, this would get expensive in a hurry, and is not recommended except for the completist.  As far as I know, EA has no intention to release the Limited Edition stuff as a separate purchase...

[tatygirl90]

I've bought both of them. I think I prefer buying the physical because I don't have to download it, which can take a quite of bit of time when you're installing all the EPs and SPs. Plus I've never had any trouble installing the game from the discs while I've trouble installing the game with the digital versions I've purchased.

But I like digital because I can have it right when it comes out and I don't have to go out for it or wait for it to arrive.

[Ayesque]

I like to buy physical and then redeem product code so that I can install it easily if I am away from home and didn't bring my CDs to play.

[Bri]

Something to bear in mind is just what kind of Internet connection you have.  If all you have access too is dial-up, then I don't recommend buying digitally.  I know this from personal experience...

[marwolfer]

It may be the collector in me, but I definitely prefer the physical disk. I've had tons of problems with the digital copies, so having a physical disk in my hands makes me feel a lot better. Haha.

[simlover16]

 I can usually get Limited Edition expansion packs for about thirty bucks at WalMart. Downloads use a TON of Internet. We live in the sticks, so we can only get a few gigs unless we want to pay a fortune.  So physical works better for me. But I think digital just might be a better choice after reading this thread/ topic.