PlayStation to ditch physical game discs from 2028
Sony has confirmed physical game discs will no longer be produced for PlayStation from January 2028, marking a major shift in how console gamers will buy and own their games.
In a statement, PlayStation said: “As consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continue to shift away from physical discs to digital, physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028.”
The change from physical to digital has already begun, with highly anticipated games set to be released on digital only. Supplied
The change is already underway. Highly anticipated title GTA VI, due for release later this year, will ship in retail stores with an empty box, no disc, just a download code inside.
Sony says the move reflects where its audience already is.
“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today,” the company said.
While casual gamers with the means to buy new releases may only lose out on shelf displays and physical artwork, the bigger impact could be felt by budget conscious players who rely on the second hand market, buying used games once early adopters have finished with them and traded them in.
Second hand games have long formed a significant economy of their own, one that publishers and studios don’t directly profit from. Once physical discs disappear, so too does the option to browse pre-owned game selections at stores, in search of a bargain title.
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