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Sony Rations PS5 Disc Drives After Confirming Games Will Be Digital-Only From January 2028

The change marks a clear shift toward digital sales and creates fresh uncertainty over drive supply, resale and long-term access to purchased games.

Overview

  • Sony has confirmed that newly released PlayStation games will be sold in digital format only starting January 2028 and updated its product pages to reflect that plan.
  • PlayStation's online store is limiting the optional PS5 attachable disc drive to one per customer, citing “high demand” for the accessory that lets Slim and Pro consoles play physical discs.
  • Fans and social posts have pointed out the irony of rationing disc drives after the company announced the phase-out and raised immediate concerns about preservation, resale and backwards access.
  • Reporters and analysts say it is unclear whether Sony will keep making disc drives through the 2028 transition or whether future consoles such as a PS6 will support the accessory, creating a potential supply risk and space for scalpers.
  • The broader context is that digital sales already make up the majority of PlayStation full-game purchases, and industry observers warn the move could end physical resale markets and complicate long-term archiving of games.