Home >> Internet Games >> Online Games

How to Send Video Games to Someone Else

You cannot legally mail a physical game disc/cartridge and expect the recipient to play it on their own account/console due to **DRM, account binding, and region locks**. Modern distribution is digital.

Legitimate Gifting Methods

Platform	How to Gift
Steam	Store page → "Purchase as a Gift" → Select friend → They receive email/Steam notification → Accept into library.
PlayStation (PS4/PS5)	No direct gifting. Buy PSN Wallet Gift Card (digital code) → Send code → They redeem → Buy game.
Xbox / Microsoft Store	Store page → "Buy as Gift" → Enter recipient email/Gamertag → They redeem.
Nintendo Switch (eShop)	No direct gifting. Buy Nintendo eShop Card (digital/physical) → Send code → They redeem.
Epic Games Store	No gifting. Send Epic Gift Card (rare) or PayPal/Venmo cash.
GOG.com	Checkout → "Gift this order" → Enter email → They get link to claim DRM-free installers.
Battle.net / EA App / Ubisoft Connect	Gift specific titles (Battle.net) or send Balance/Gift Cards (others).

Physical Media (Discs/Cartridges) — Caveats

PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Series X|S: Disc installs data, but **license stays on your account**. Friend can install but **cannot play without your account signed in** (or them buying license).
Switch Cartridges: **Work on any Switch** (no account bind). You *can* mail the cart; they play instantly. **Exception:** Games requiring mandatory download (e.g., NBA 2K, Doom Eternal partial) still need internet/account for the rest.
PC Discs (Legacy): Often one-time activation keys (Steam/Origin/Uplay). Useless secondhand.

Best Universal Option

**Digital Gift Card (Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Official Site)** for their platform. Let them choose.

Online Games