Sony's PlayStation disc phase-out threatens $7 billion resale market and sparks gamer backlash
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced it will permanently discontinue production of physical discs for all new PlayStation games starting January 2028, making new releases digital-only. The move marks a stark reversal from Sony's 2013 stance when it mocked Microsoft Xbox's restrictive game-sharing policies by highlighting the ease of sharing physical discs. Analysts say the decision will save Sony costs and boost digital profits but will eliminate consumers' ability to trade, lend, resell, or truly own games. The global second-hand gaming market, estimated at about $7 billion, faces a major blow. Grand Theft Auto 6 physical copies will reportedly contain download codes rather than discs. Gamers have resurfaced Sony's old promotional clips with bitter comments, calling the decision 'anti-consumer' and 'ironic.' Existing physical games released before the cutoff will not be affected.
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