Sony will stop releasing games on physical discs for PlayStation

Sony announced on Wednesday (1st) that it will stop producing physical discs for all new games released on PlayStation consoles from January 2028, marking a full transition to digital distribution as consumer purchases continue to migrate online.

Digital downloads accounted for about 80% of Sony's full-game sales in fiscal 2025, according to the company, reflecting a long-standing trend toward digital game purchases.

The Japanese entertainment and technology company reported that new PlayStation titles released from January 2028 onwards will be sold through the PlayStation Store and retailers exclusively in digital formats.

The change will not apply to games released, or already scheduled for release on disc, before that date.

Separately, Sony said it will begin disabling the PlayStation Store on older devices such as the PS3 and PS Vita, starting in select markets later this year and expanding globally in 2027.

The consoles, which are between 15 and 20 years old, are no longer compatible with the secure payment systems used by the modern PlayStation Network, the company said.

After stores close, users will no longer be able to purchase new content, although previously purchased games and content will continue to be available for download for a foreseeable period of time.

The PS3 store will close in Mexico, Honduras and Nicaragua starting in August, followed by other markets in Latin America and the Middle East later this year. PS3 and PS Vita stores will close in all other markets in July 2027.

Source: CNN