So hey probably a stupid question, but I just want to be sure before I get started here. I have recently begun the switch from playing on my xbox to a PC, however I just want to ask: is there any real difference between getting Skyrim on a disc or buying it on Steam? Besides like prices, Im really just asking about like performance or convenience, is there any difference or is it inconsequential?

With the disc all you have to do is download the executable and any patches... with a digital purchase you have to download it all.

Other than that there is no real difference, since to play it you need the steam authentication

Can't install it without using steam

Even if you buy the disc, you still have to register the game on Steam to play it. So it doesn't really matter what you get, they are both the same.

The only real difference is that it might be faster to install from disc than downloading it, depending on your internet speed. Other than that it's identical.