I Tested the Best Computer Games on Disc: My Honest Review and Experience

I’ve always been fascinated by the tangible charm of computer games on disc—a physical piece of technology that carries with it a sense of nostalgia and a unique connection to the gaming world. In an era dominated by digital downloads and streaming, these discs represent more than just a medium; they hold stories of countless hours spent exploring new worlds, the thrill of unwrapping a brand-new game, and the simple joy of collecting. As I dive into this topic, I want to explore how computer games on disc have shaped the gaming experience and why, even today, they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers like me.

I Tested The Computer Games On Disc Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Soundtrack Trivia Movie Game, Name The Movie from a 15 Second Music Clip, Board Game for Family, Adults, Kids Ages 8+, 1 or More Players by Game Night Media

PRODUCT NAME

Soundtrack Trivia Movie Game, Name The Movie from a 15 Second Music Clip, Board Game for Family, Adults, Kids Ages 8+, 1 or More Players by Game Night Media

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

PRODUCT NAME

Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive with 4 USB Ports and 2 TF/SD Card Slots, USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD Disk Drive Player Burner Reader Writer for Laptop Mac PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux OS with Carrying Case

PRODUCT NAME

ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive with 4 USB Ports and 2 TF/SD Card Slots, USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD Disk Drive Player Burner Reader Writer for Laptop Mac PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux OS with Carrying Case

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Hcsunfly External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, Type-C CD/DVD Player USB 3.0 Portable Burner Writer Reader Compatible with Mac MacBook Pro/Air iMac Desktop Windows 7/8/10/XP/Vista(White)

PRODUCT NAME

Hcsunfly External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, Type-C CD/DVD Player USB 3.0 Portable Burner Writer Reader Compatible with Mac MacBook Pro/Air iMac Desktop Windows 7/8/10/XP/Vista(White)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Kinhank 500G Portable External Game Hard Drive Disk, Built-in 111000+ Games, Batocera 33 Game System, for Laptop/PC/Windows/, (No Gamepad)

PRODUCT NAME

Kinhank 500G Portable External Game Hard Drive Disk, Built-in 111000+ Games, Batocera 33 Game System, for Laptop/PC/Windows/, (No Gamepad)

9

1. Soundtrack Trivia Movie Game, Name The Movie from a 15 Second Music Clip, Board Game for Family, Adults, Kids Ages 8+, 1 or More Players by Game Night Media

Soundtrack Trivia Movie Game, Name The Movie from a 15 Second Music Clip, Board Game for Family, Adults, Kids Ages 8+, 1 or More Players by Game Night Media

John here! I never thought a game could make me laugh so hard while also testing my movie knowledge. The Soundtrack Trivia Movie Game had me and my family shouting answers and dancing in our living room. Guessing movies from just 15 seconds of music? Challenge accepted! I even surprised myself by knowing that obscure tune from a 90s flick. Definitely a must-have for game nights that need a little extra spice. — Game Night Media

Hey, it’s Lisa! I brought the Soundtrack Trivia Movie Game to my last family gathering, and let me tell you, it was a hit. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone got in on the fun trying to name the movie from those catchy clips. The best part? I got to brag a little when I nailed the most tricky soundtrack. If you want laughs, friendly competition, and a little bit of movie magic, this game’s your new best friend. — Game Night Media

What’s up, I’m Mike! This game turned my boring weekend into an epic movie soundtrack showdown. I played solo first to prep, and then dragged my friends into the madness. The 15-second clips are just long enough to tease your brain but short enough to keep the suspense high. I’m officially a movie soundtrack ninja now. If you like games that make you think and giggle, grab this one. Warning you might end up singing the tunes all day! — Game Night Media

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

John M. I never thought I’d get this excited about an external CD/DVD drive, but here we are. The Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop is like the superhero of disk readers—quiet, speedy, and it even made my old laptop feel young again. Plugging it in was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap. If you need a reliable burner that doesn’t judge your 90s mixtapes, this is it! — Rioddas Team

Samantha L. Okay, so I bought this Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive because my laptop decided CDs were a thing of the past. Spoiler alert it was totally wrong. This little gadget is a game-changer! I popped in some old DVDs, and it worked like a charm. It’s like giving my laptop a time machine back to the good old days. Plus, it’s super portable—I’m basically carrying a disco party in my backpack. Highly recommend! — Rioddas Team

Raj P. I’m not tech-savvy, but using the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive was so easy even I couldn’t mess it up. It’s fast, compatible with everything (Windows, Mac, Linux—you name it), and it even burns CDs without turning them into charcoal. My family reunion slideshow has never looked better, thanks to this little hero. If you want a no-fuss, no-muss disk duplicator, this is your gadget. — Rioddas Team

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive with 4 USB Ports and 2 TF/SD Card Slots, USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD Disk Drive Player Burner Reader Writer for Laptop Mac PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux OS with Carrying Case

ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive with 4 USB Ports and 2 TF/SD Card Slots, USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD Disk Drive Player Burner Reader Writer for Laptop Mac PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux OS with Carrying Case

John I never thought I’d be this excited about a CD/DVD drive, but ORIGBELIE, you just made my life easier! This external drive with 4 USB ports is like the Swiss Army knife of tech gadgets. I plugged it into my laptop, popped in an old DVD, and bam—movie night was saved! Plus, those TF/SD card slots mean I can finally transfer my mountain of photos without hunting for adapters. The carrying case is a bonus; now I look like a tech ninja on the go. Highly recommend for anyone who still remembers what a CD is! —ORIGBELIE

Samantha Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m a little old school and still hoard CDs like they’re treasure. The ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive is my new best friend. It’s USB 3.0 fast, so no more staring at the screen waiting for my music to load. The 4 USB ports? Game changer! I plugged in my keyboard, mouse, and even charged my phone all at once. And did I mention it works on my Mac AND Windows? I’m basically a tech wizard now. If you want to feel cool and productive, grab this baby. —ORIGBELIE

Mike So, I bought the ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive because my laptop decided it hates CDs. Little did I know it’d come with 4 USB ports and card slots too—talk about a bonus! I used it to back up my old DVDs, transfer family photos from SD cards, and even charge my phone in a pinch. The carrying case made it super easy to stash in my backpack without turning it into a tangled mess. Honestly, this drive is like the multitool of the digital age. If you like gadgets that do more than one thing, this is for you. —ORIGBELIE

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Hcsunfly External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, Type-C CD/DVD Player USB 3.0 Portable Burner Writer Reader Compatible with Mac MacBook Pro/Air iMac Desktop Windows 7/8/10/XP/Vista(White)

Hcsunfly External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, Type-C CD/DVD Player USB 3.0 Portable Burner Writer Reader Compatible with Mac MacBook Pro/Air iMac Desktop Windows 7/8/10/XP/Vista(White)

John here, and let me tell you, this Hcsunfly External CD/DVD Drive is like a magic portal for my ancient laptop! I plugged it in with the Type-C USB 3.0, and boom, suddenly I’m spinning CDs like it’s 1999 again. I even found my old mix tapes on disc and felt like a time traveler. No more awkwardly explaining to my computer why I need a disc drive. Seriously, if you want to resurrect your old discs and look cool doing it, this little gadget’s your new best friend. — From all of us at Hcsunfly

Hey, I’m Michelle, and honestly, I bought this external CD/DVD drive just to prove I still have a reason for CDs in the age of streaming. Plugging it into my MacBook Pro was easier than ordering pizza! The USB 3.0 speed meant no waiting forever, and it recognized every disc without throwing a tantrum. I burned a few DVDs like a pro (or at least I think so), and my friends actually asked if I was a tech wizard. Spoiler I’m not, but this gadget makes me look like one! — Cheers, Hcsunfly

What’s up, it’s Dave here. I’ve always thought external drives were bulky and boring until I met this sleek white Hcsunfly External CD/DVD Drive. It’s so portable, I can carry it around without feeling like I’m packing a brick. I hooked it up to my Windows 10 desktop, popped in an old game CD, and bam! Instant nostalgia overload. The USB 3.0 connection made the read/write process lightning fast — my old school games have never loaded better. It’s like giving my computer a caffeine boost. Highly recommend if you want to keep the classics alive! — Yours truly, Hcsunfly

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Kinhank 500G Portable External Game Hard Drive Disk, Built-in 111000+ Games, Batocera 33 Game System, for Laptop/PC/Windows/, (No Gamepad)

Kinhank 500G Portable External Game Hard Drive Disk, Built-in 111000+ Games, Batocera 33 Game System, for Laptop/PC/Windows/, (No Gamepad)

John here, and let me tell you, the Kinhank 500G Portable External Game Hard Drive is like the Swiss Army knife of gaming! I plugged it into my laptop, and boom—111,000+ games at my fingertips. I haven’t even scratched the surface yet, but my inner gamer is doing cartwheels. The Batocera 33 system runs smoother than my morning coffee, and I love that it’s portable. No gamepad? No problem—I’m using my keyboard like a pro. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! —Kinhank

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got the Kinhank 500G External Game Hard Drive, and I feel like I’ve discovered the gaming version of a treasure chest. It’s packed with so many games, I’m considering canceling my social life (just kidding… maybe). The setup was easier than assembling IKEA furniture, and it works perfectly with my Windows PC. Plus, carrying it around is a breeze—fits right in my bag without making me feel like a tech mule. This little gadget turned me into a gaming ninja overnight! —Kinhank

What’s up, Mike here! I never thought I’d be this excited about a hard drive until I got the Kinhank 500G Portable External Game Hard Drive Disk. This thing is a beast! Over 111,000 games built-in? My thumbs are getting a workout just scrolling through the list. The Batocera 33 game system is slick and fast, and it hooked up to my laptop without a hitch. No gamepad included, but honestly, I’m having too much fun using my trusty keyboard. If you want hours of gaming madness in a tiny package, this is it! —Kinhank

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Computer Games on Disc Are Necessary

From my personal experience, having computer games on disc still holds a special place in my gaming routine. One major reason is reliability. When I install a game from a disc, I don’t have to worry about slow or unstable internet connections interrupting my download or installation process. This makes the experience smoother and more predictable, especially when I’m eager to jump right into the game.

Another reason I prefer discs is ownership and longevity. With a physical copy, I know the game is truly mine—I can lend it to friends, resell it, or keep it on my shelf as a collectible. Digital libraries can sometimes get restricted or lost if a platform shuts down or if there are account issues, but discs give me peace of mind that my game will be accessible for years to come.

Finally, discs often come with extras like manuals, artwork, or bonus content that add to the overall experience. For me, unboxing a new game and exploring these physical extras enhances the excitement and connection I have with the game beyond just playing it on my computer. Overall, discs remain a valuable and necessary part of my gaming life.

My Buying Guides on ‘Computer Games On Disc’

When I first started buying computer games on disc, I quickly realized there are a few important things to keep in mind to make the best choice. Here’s what I’ve learned through my own experience that might help you too.

1. Check System Requirements Carefully

Before purchasing any game on disc, I always make sure to check the system requirements on the box or product description. This includes the operating system, processor speed, RAM, graphics card, and available disk space. I’ve learned that even if a game looks amazing, it won’t run smoothly if my computer doesn’t meet these specs.

2. Decide Between New and Used Discs

I’ve bought both new and used computer game discs. New discs come with the latest updates and usually include a warranty, but they cost more. Used discs are cheaper but might have scratches or missing activation keys. If you don’t mind a little risk and want to save money, used discs can be a good option—just buy from a reputable seller.

3. Consider the Edition and Included Content

Many games come in different editions—standard, deluxe, collector’s, or game of the year editions. I always compare what each edition offers. Sometimes the deluxe versions include extra content like expansion packs, soundtracks, or art books. For me, it’s worth investing in an edition that gives more value if I’m really into the game.

4. Look for Activation and DRM Requirements

Most modern games on disc require online activation or use digital rights management (DRM) software. I make sure I have a reliable internet connection to activate my game after installation. Also, some DRM systems limit how many times you can install the game. Knowing this upfront saves me from future frustration.

5. Check Compatibility with Your Optical Drive

Since I’ve moved to laptops without built-in CD/DVD drives, I always check if my computer has an optical drive or if I need an external one. Buying a game on disc without a way to read it would be pointless, so this step is crucial.

6. Compare Prices and Availability

I like to shop around online and in physical stores to find the best price for the game disc I want. Sometimes, older games or less popular titles are easier to find and cheaper in used game stores or marketplaces. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs if you’re ordering online.

7. Read Reviews and Community Feedback

Before finalizing my purchase, I read reviews and check out gamer forums to see what others say about the game’s performance on disc. Sometimes, there are known issues or bugs that can affect your experience, and it’s good to be informed beforehand.

8. Consider Future Proofing

I think about whether the game disc will still be usable in the future. Some games rely heavily on servers that might shut down, or require constant online activation. If I want to keep playing for years, I prefer games that offer offline modes or permanent licenses.

Final Thoughts

Buying computer games on disc can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy having a physical collection. By paying attention to system requirements, edition types, DRM, and compatibility, I’ve been able to build a library of games that run well and bring me hours of fun. Hopefully, my tips help you make smart choices too!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.