Why is Sony abandoning PlayStation Discs?

Sony’s decision to move away from physical discs appears increasingly unlikely to be reversed, as new sales figures highlight the declining demand for boxed PlayStation titles.

The gaming giant has confirmed plans to stop producing physical media from 2028, with the shift reflecting a wider industry move towards digital downloads and online storefronts.

The move sparked backlash among some gamers, who are concerned about game preservation, ownership and consumer choice.

While digital gaming has become more popular, physical releases remain important for collectors, retailers and players who prefer owning a tangible copy of their games.

New data from sales-tracking firm Circana suggests the market for physical PlayStation games has continued to shrink.

Mat Piscatella, Senior Director and Video Game Industry Advisor at Circana, shared figures showing that only seven PlayStation games sold more than 100,000 physical copies in the US during 2026.

The figures also showed that only two games sold more than 10,000 physical units during a recent week.

This data covers all PlayStation games, rather than only releases from 2026, as some titles continue selling physical copies long after launch.

Previous reports have suggested that around 85% of PlayStation game sales are now digital.

However, some industry observers have questioned that figure, arguing that it can be influenced by digital-only games that never receive physical versions.

Despite concerns from some fans, Sony has indicated that its long-term strategy is focused on expanding digital access to games.

The company previously addressed its approach to physical media, stating:

“We’ll continue to prioritise our resources to drive innovation in how players can access games and provide choices as to where players prefer to purchase new games, whether that’s at retailers or PlayStation Store.

“We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans and we thank you for your continued support.”

The company’s reference to maintaining “choices” has prompted debate among players about what role physical retailers will have in the future.

As some upcoming major releases move towards digital code-based retail options, questions remain about whether boxed games will continue to offer the same benefits as traditional physical releases.

The shift away from discs is also part of a broader industry trend.

Both Sony and Microsoft have increasingly focused on digital sales, subscription services and online platforms, although reports have suggested Microsoft could take a different approach with its next console generation by potentially supporting physical media.

For critics of Sony’s decision, concerns extend beyond simply owning a disc.

Physical games can provide an option for resale, collecting and preserving titles independently of online services. Digital purchases, meanwhile, are often tied to specific accounts and platforms.

Sony’s move is expected to increase its control over game distribution by reducing reliance on physical manufacturing and retail partnerships.

However, the company has not announced any plans to reduce game prices as a result of moving away from physical production.

With 2028 still a couple of years away, the gaming industry could continue to evolve before Sony fully transitions away from physical discs.

However, based on current sales trends and the company’s stated direction, a major reversal of its plans appears unlikely.