Sony Ends Physical PlayStation Game Discs Starting January 2028

Overview

• Sony announced on Wednesday that it will stop producing physical discs for all new PlayStation games from January 2028 and will sell titles only through the PlayStation Store or as retailer-sold download codes.
• Sony said the change will not affect games already released or any titles issued on disc before January 2028, leaving current libraries usable for now.
• Analysts point to rapid growth in digital sales—Ampere data show PlayStation digital share rising from about 13% in 2013 to roughly 80% in 2025—as the company’s stated rationale for the move.
• The announcement provoked public backlash and political criticism in France over loss of resale, lending and long-term access, and some retailers and commentators warned it will undercut the secondhand market and specialist stores.
• Industry observers note Rockstar’s earlier move to ship GTA VI retail boxes with download codes and say the decision raises speculation that future PlayStation hardware may drop disc drives, though Sony has not confirmed any console plans.