Sony announced it will end manufacturing physical PlayStation game discs by January 2028 and transition to digital-only game releases globally [1, 2, 3]. The decision reflects shifting consumer preferences toward digital formats, according to Sid Shuman, Senior Director at Sony Interactive Entertainment. He said, "New games will be released on PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only... as consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continue to shift away from physical discs" [2].

The global second-hand video game market, valued at $7.2 billion in 2025, includes pre-owned games, consoles, accessories, and peripherals [1, 2]. Consoles accounted for 42.3% of the market's revenue. North America led with 36.8% share or about $2.65 billion, followed by Europe at 28.3% and Asia Pacific at 24.6% [1, 2]. In the US, 38% of video game transactions involved used games, driven mainly by affordability and retro gaming culture [1]. Leading second-hand retailers in North America include GameStop, Amazon, eBay, and Decluttr; in Europe, CEX dominates [1, 2].

Industry analysts warn the halt of physical disc production threatens the viability of the $7.2 billion second-hand market. Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities said, "Realistically, at least one-third of games have been sold historically as used... Brick and mortar game retail is doomed" [1]. Morningstar's Kazunori Ito predicted, "The second-hand market for games will keep shrinking and eventually disappear" [2].

Physical PlayStation game sales in the US have been declining for nearly two decades, falling from a peak of $11.5 billion in 2009 to $1.6 billion in 2016, a $10 billion drop [3]. Analyst Mat Piscatella noted, "From a business perspective, Sony's decision seems correct because physical game market appeal is far less than before" [3]. In 2026, only two PlayStation games sold over 10,000 physical copies in one week in the US, and seven titles surpassed 100,000 physical copies annually [3].

Sony has faced backlash from some players and retailers opposing the disc phase-out but has not reversed its decision [3]. Dataintelo projects the global second-hand video game market could grow to $13.8 billion by 2034 despite the shift to digital [1, 2].

Sony will end production of physical PlayStation game discs in January 2028, marking a definitive end to retail disc sales and potentially ending large-scale second-hand physical game sales worldwide [1, 2, 3].