Sony to End Physical Disc Production for PlayStation Games in January 2028

Sony Interactive Entertainment will stop producing physical game discs for new PlayStation titles starting in January 2028, the company announced on July 1, 2026.

After that date, all new games will be available exclusively through the PlayStation Store or as digital redemption codes sold in physical boxes at retail locations. The approach mirrors how Grand Theft Auto VI was sold.

Games released before January 2028 are not affected by the policy.

Sony cited shifting consumer behavior as the reason for the change. The company said demand for digital media has significantly outpaced physical discs, with data showing that 80 to 85 percent of PlayStation game purchases are already digital.

The move eliminates costs associated with disc manufacturing, shipping, and inventory management. Analysts also speculate that future hardware, including the rumored PlayStation 6, may lack a disc drive entirely.

The announcement has drawn criticism from consumer advocates and game preservationists. Critics argue that ending physical media removes the ability for players to trade, lend, or resell games. Digital purchases are licenses, not permanent property, and can be revoked if a storefront closes.

Preservationists pointed to the scheduled closures of the PS3 and PS Vita digital storefronts as evidence that purchased digital content may not remain accessible indefinitely.

The policy applies to all first-party and third-party games released on PlayStation consoles from January 2028 onward. Sony said it will continue working with retailers, who can sell the physical boxes containing digital codes.