Physical copies are fading fast. Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that, beginning January 2028, it will stop releasing new games on discs. The company points to shifting user demand as the reason. From that date forward, new titles — both 1st-party and 3rd-party — will be distributed only digitally via the PlayStation Store and through retail channels. Titles already out, or shipped on disc before January 2028, won’t be affected.
For Sony Interactive Entertainment, this is a logical step in response to how player preferences are changing — digital has long surpassed discs by a wide margin. This transition will help us be closer to the way the majority of our community already buys and launches games today.
It stings a bit to hear it from Sony — the biggest platform that clung to discs longer than most. Movies and music went streaming years ago; games have been edging that way and now the nudge feels final. Not exactly shocking: SIE’s own figures show PlayStation purchases tilting heavily toward digital vs. physical.
According to the latest data, roughly 4 in 5 full-game purchases on PS4/PS5 over the past year were digital. The company also notes digital game sales through retailers — but the mechanics remain vague: will retailers sell boxed copies containing codes, dedicated cards, or something else? That detail hasn’t been nailed down yet.
Also read
- June 29 ⋅ Sony will not sell consoles at a loss
- June 27 ⋅ PlayStation head confirmed Sony will continue making games-services