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Yes, it’s true: Sony is ditching physical discs in 2028

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Sony has announced it will no longer be making physical discs for any new releases starting in January 2028. A major blow to the secondhand market, the change means that console players no longer own any game they purchase. 

Sony, the producer of PlayStation consoles, has announced that it will no longer make physical discs for new game releases, starting from January 2028. The news was announced in an official blog post on the company’s website today.

In a statement, the company explained: ‘As consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continue to shift away from physical discs to digital, physical game production […] will be discontinued starting January 2028.’

Sony added that this will ‘enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.’

In a double blow to hardcore fans, the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita will also stop receiving support starting later this year. Previously purchased titles will still be available to download ‘for the foreseeable future,’ however.

Unsurprisingly, the news that physical discs are being canned has not been taken well online. Consumers have expressed strong dislike via the official blog’s comment section, describing the news as ‘terrible’ and ‘really disappointing.’ Others have complained that they will ‘literally own nothing now but licenses; this is a horrible decision, Sony.’

Elsewhere, on Reddit, the backlash has been equally fierce. ‘I guess PS5 is the end of the line for me, then,’ wrote one user. ‘Might as well get a PC for the next generation with the benefit of more game sales and multiple storefronts.’

Physical disc production ending in January 2028 for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles
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Sony’s announcement comes hot off the heels of Rockstar’s pre-order drop for GTA VI, which was scrutinised for locking content behind an ‘Ultimate Edition’ upgrade and not including a physical disc, even if you buy a retail version. Instead, all ‘physical’ boxes will come with a download code that can be redeemed via digital console marketplaces.

Fans were initially upset, but the move seems to make more sense in light of PlayStation’s latest pivot toward digital exclusivity.

This appears to be the way things will work moving forward, which has ruffled the feathers of hardcore collectors and gaming enthusiasts alike. Players are concerned about potential industry monopolisation, the demise of secondhand retailers and marketplaces, as well as the lack of tangible ownership of the titles they buy.

What is the argument for removing physical discs? 

So, what gives? Why is Sony killing physical media for good when everyone seemingly loves and cherishes their discs?

Despite the outcry, numbers suggest that digital downloads are far and away the preferred way to purchase video games. According to Sony’s own financial reports, a whopping 85% of all full game sales in the last financial quarter of 2025 were digital, with that number seemingly growing annually. Put simply, appetite for physical games is undeniably shrinking, as downloads become quicker, easier, and more accessible.

It is also far cheaper for Sony to distribute games via download than on actual discs.

There are no production, material, or labour costs, and retailers aren’t needed as a middleman between consumers and publishers. The digital system works better for all parties; gamers get their desired product almost immediately, while Sony receives all of the potential revenue.

It keeps everything within the company’s ecosystem, making the purchasing experience more profitable and manageable.


Why do some people want to keep their physical games? 

The shift toward digital has taken a considerable amount of time. Microsoft was criticised so severely for its announcement of online-only Xbox gaming in 2013 that it eventually reversed this decision. It originally planned to tie titles to specific Xbox accounts, which would restrict the sharing or selling of physical games.

This was seen as unacceptable and unthinkable at the time, and Sony even responded with its own tongue-in-cheek guide on sharing games. That original video has already been referenced on social media today, with commenters returning to express their disappointment.

‘I knew this would eventually age poorly,’ one user wrote. ‘Twelve years later, you become what you used to hate,’ said another.

Collectors of physical gaming media are a minority, but a very vocal one. 

When purchasing a digital title, you don’t actually own anything, only the license to play the title, which is still the property of Sony. This means that consumers don’t really purchase anything outright, and are at the mercy of PlayStation’s digital stores, servers, and ongoing community support if they want guaranteed access to their games long-term.

With a real disc – especially for older console generations such as the PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii – you will always own a copy of the game and will always be able to play it, should you have the right hardware.

By shifting to digital only, PlayStation has effectively shut down all secondhand ownership.

Gamers can’t rent, trade, or swap titles with friends. They won’t be able to buy anything at a discount unless Sony decides to offer one, and are completely dependent on PlayStation’s pricing. This effectively gives the company complete control over all aspects of the purchasing pipeline, and a lack of meaningful competition means that prices could theoretically increase or stay locked permanently, with no alternative.

Game preservationists are also worried about accessibility and the much higher potential for lost media.

Titles are often changed in patches or updates, and licensing issues sometimes mean that music, specific content, or even entire games can suddenly be taken down or locked with little warning. In fact, Sony just revoked the ownership of over 500 movies from PlayStation Store accounts, meaning that anyone who previously bought them to watch can no longer do so. They won’t be refunded or compensated for the loss, either.

Who’s to say this won’t happen with games from 2028 onward?

Still, with all these potential anti-consumer practices in mind, it’s hard to argue with the numbers. From a business standpoint, digital media is the way to go. It reduces costs while minimising the fuss for most gamers, and while the backlash feels fierce, it would appear that even the angriest of fans probably purchase digital games regularly.

Perhaps this is simply a sign of the times, though it will be hard for many to let go of the idea of a real, physical disc in a shiny plastic box.

Enjoyed this article? Click here to read more Gen Z culture stories.

Deputy Editor and Senior Writer London, UK

I’m Charlie (He/Him), Deputy Editor and Senior Writer at Thred. I was previously the Editor full-time at Thred before moving to Bristol in 2024. I have since returned to London. As a music and gaming enthusiast, I’m a nerd for pop culture. You can find me curating playlists, designing article headline images, and sipping cider on a Thursday. Follow me on LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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