1 July. PlayStation put a date on killing the disc. I did not love hearing it, and I am not alone.
People were already furious when GTA VI’s “physical” edition turned out to be a download code in a box. Sony did not walk it back. They went all the way: from 2028, new PlayStation games launch digital only.
“In response to changes in consumer preference trends, new games will be released on the PlayStation Store and in physical retail stores in digital format only.”
Sony Interactive Entertainment
A lot of us still like sliding a disc into the console. Sony knows that and is doing it anyway. From January 2028 they stop making physical discs for new PlayStation releases. After that, new games show up on the PlayStation Store and in shops as digital only. Older games, and anything that still ships on disc before January 2028, stay as they are.
Full statement
“As consumer preferences and the entertainment industry as a whole continue to move away from physical discs toward digital formats, from January 2028 we will stop producing physical discs for all new games launching on PlayStation consoles. From that date, new games will be available on the PlayStation Store and in stores in digital format only. This transition does not affect games that have already launched, or that launch before January 2028, on disc.
This is a natural step for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends, since the general preference for digital formats far outweighs that for physical discs. This transition will let us better match how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.
We will keep prioritising our resources to drive innovation in how players can access games and to offer options for where they prefer to buy new titles, whether in physical stores or on PlayStation Store. We remain committed to delivering a first-class gaming experience to our fans and thank you for your ongoing support.”
So that is the line. Collectors, second-hand shops, anyone who wants a disc they can lend or keep offline: clock is running. After January 2028, new PS games are codes and downloads. I get why the numbers push Sony there. I still think something gets lost when the plastic goes.
