Sony’s PlayStation will end physical disc production for new games in 2028

4 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jul 2, 2026 09:14 AM IST

Sony's PlayStation 5 console comes with a disc drive and an all digital-edition. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Sony Corp said on Thursday that PlayStation plans to end the production of physical discs for new games from January 2028. As a result, new games released for the PlayStation console will be sold either through the PlayStation Store or by retailers in digital formats. The move comes as consumers increasingly shift to digital media to access games, stream music, and consume other forms of entertainment.

The move was a “natural direction” to adapt as consumers’ digital game preference “significantly outpaces physical discs,” the company wrote in a blog post, adding that the decision wouldn’t have an impact on disc games coming out before 2028.

“This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today,” the post read.

The news that Sony will no longer release new games for its popular PlayStation console on physical discs comes just days after Rockstar Games announced that its highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI would launch without a physical disc version.

The PlayStation 5 (center) has seen a steep rise in prices over the years. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia / Indian Express)

Gamers, independent retailers, and industry insiders have not welcomed the move, resulting in a backlash on social media. Many have called it a “blow to consumer rights,” arguing that it leaves consumers with no option to own a physical copy of a game. The shift could also hurt retailers significantly, a concern that is gaining traction online.

Sony and its peers, including Microsoft’s Xbox and Nintendo – collectively known as the “Big Three” in the video game market – have long sold digital game codes, but physical copies have remained a staple of the industry for years. However, these companies no longer want to offer physical discs for new games, even though many gamers, especially collectors and hobbyists, still prefer to buy physical copies.

Physical game sales have been declining since peaking at $11.5 billion in 2008, according to Matt Piscatella, senior director and video game industry advisor at retail analytics firm Circana. However, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has helped U.S. spending on physical games increase year over year for the first time since 2009.

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Sony currently sells its flagship PlayStation 5 console in two versions: one with a physical disc drive and one without. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo all operate Apple App Store-style digital storefronts where consumers can purchase video games.

Nintendo too is adapting to digital games as consumer shifts to digital store fronts for buying games. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

In a major shift toward digital distribution of video games, Sony is also closing the digital stores for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. This means that users of those consoles will no longer be able to purchase new games. The closures will be rolled out by region beginning this August, with the US store scheduled to close in July 2027.

Console makers such as Sony are under pressure to reduce costs as a memory chip shortage has driven up the prices of video game consoles. Sony, Microsoft, and even Nintendo, which has traditionally been known for absorbing higher costs, have recently raised the prices of their consoles in response to soaring memory chip costs, including those used in devices such as the Nintendo Switch 2. At the same time, flagship game prices are moving toward a new standard of $80, putting further pressure on consumers in an already tight economy.

Many believe that Sony’s decision to end the production of physical games beginning in 2028 is a precursor to the PlayStation 6, which could be an all-digital console. Sony has yet to announce the PS6 officially, but its launch is widely expected to take place around 2028.

Anuj Bhatia is an Assistant Editor at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.

Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.

Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:

Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.

Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.

Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.

Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.

Authoritativeness & Trust

Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.

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