Play store
Japanese technology giant Sony has announced a major shift in the gaming industry, confirming that it will stop producing physical disc-based games for its PlayStation consoles from January 2028.
Under the new policy, all new PlayStation titles will be available only in digital format. Gamers will have to purchase and download games through the PlayStation Store or redeem digital download codes sold by authorised retailers.
Sony said, the decision reflects changing consumer preferences, with digital purchases now dominating the gaming market. According to the company, physical game discs accounted for just 3 per cent of its total gaming revenue last year. The launch of the disc-less PS5 Pro in 2024 had already signalled the company’s move towards an all-digital future.
The company clarified that games released before January 2028, including titles currently in development for physical release, will not be affected by the decision. However, the move is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the gaming industry.
One of the biggest impacts will be on the second-hand games market. Without physical discs, players will no longer be able to resell, exchange or lend completed games, dealing a significant blow to retailers that rely on used game sales.
The transition to digital distribution has already been gaining momentum across the industry. Rockstar Games previously confirmed that its highly anticipated GTA 6 would not receive a physical disc release, while Microsoft’s Xbox platform has steadily expanded its digital offerings. Nintendo, traditionally the strongest supporter of cartridges and physical games, has also been encouraging digital purchases through competitive pricing.
Although the move is likely to disappoint collectors and enthusiasts who prefer physical editions, it is expected to reduce manufacturing, packaging and distribution costs for Sony while streamlining game delivery.
Alongside the announcement, Sony confirmed that it will permanently shut down the PlayStation Store for its legacy PS3 and PS Vita consoles. The closures will begin in some markets from August 2026 and will be completed in the United States by July 2027. Once the stores are closed, users will no longer be able to purchase new games or downloadable content for those platforms, although previously purchased titles will remain available for download for a limited period.
Sony said the PS3 and PS Vita represented an important chapter in PlayStation’s history, adding that the decision to discontinue their online stores was not made lightly.
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