Only seven PlayStation games have sold more than 100,000 physical copies in the US during 2026, reflecting a sharp decline in disc sales amid changing market trends [1, 2, 3]. In the week ending July 11, only two PlayStation titles sold over 10,000 physical units in the US, underscoring the waning demand for game discs [1, 3].
Sony announced on July 1 that it plans to discontinue physical disc production for all new PlayStation games starting January 2028 [2]. Sid Shuman, Senior Director of Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications, said that the shift "aligns with consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continuing to shift away from physical discs to digital." He added, "This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs" [2].
The move has sparked backlash from fans and gamers online. Critics express worries about game preservation and ownership rights without physical copies, raising concerns about long-term access to titles [1, 2]. Despite the consumer outrage, some industry experts view Sony's decision as a smart business strategy that aligns with current digital consumption patterns and reduces manufacturing costs [1].
Sony’s plan signals an end to an era of physical disc production for the brand’s future releases. The company intends to fully transition to digital distribution within approximately 18 months starting in early 2028 [1, 2].
