Sony Ends Physical Discs for New PlayStation Games in 2028 as Digital Sales Hit 85%
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jul 19
Sony Ends Physical Discs for New PlayStation Games in 2028 as Digital Sales Hit 85%
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jul 19
Summary
January 2028 will mark the end of physical disc production for all new PlayStation games, a shift Sony says reflects how most players now buy and access games.
85% of PS4 and PS5 full-game sales were digital downloads in Sony’s fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, underpinning the company’s argument that digital demand now far outpaces discs.
Rockstar’s $79.99 Grand Theft Auto VI release plan added to the pressure on physical media by offering a boxed version with only a download code instead of a disc.
Retailers, players and preservationists criticized Sony’s move as a blow to resale, sharing and long-term access, especially as digital stores can close and account problems can lock users out.
Nintendo still gets 54.6% of game sales digitally, suggesting physical media may last longer there, while Xbox is also reported likely to phase out discs.
Could Nintendo's loyalty to physical games make it the last haven for collectors in an all-digital world?
With physical discs gone, who becomes the legal guardian of our digital gaming history for future generations?
As game ownership becomes a license, what rights do you lose when servers inevitably shut down?
Sony to End New PlayStation Physical Discs by 2028: The Digital-Only Future of Gaming and Its Impact on Players, Retailers, and Preservation
Overview
Sony Interactive Entertainment will stop producing new physical discs for PlayStation games by January 2028, marking a major shift toward a digital-first future. This decision reflects Sony’s commitment to innovation and its response to changing consumer preferences. The move highlights the gaming industry’s broader transformation, as digital distribution becomes more viable and attractive for both publishers and players. By prioritizing digital channels, Sony aims to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance the gaming experience. This strategic change signals the end of an era for physical media and sets the stage for a new, digitally driven landscape in gaming.