Sony to end physical discs for new PlayStation games from 2028
Consumers have largely shifted to buying games digitally
PlayStation games displayed at the Best Buy store. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.
- Sony will stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028, shifting fully to digital sales.
- The company says about 80% of full-game sales in 2025 were already digital, driving the transition.
- Sony will also phase out PlayStation Store support for PS3 and PS Vita, ending global access by July 2027.
- The move reflects the wider industry shift to digital gaming and raises concerns about long-term access to older titles.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
Sony said on Wednesday it will stop producing physical discs for all new games released on PlayStation consoles from January 2028, marking a full shift to digital distribution as consumer purchases continue to move online.
Digital downloads accounted for about 80% of Sony's full-game software sales in fiscal 2025, according to the company, reflecting a years-long shift toward digital game purchases.
The Japanese entertainment and technology company said new PlayStation titles released from January 2028 will be sold through the PlayStation Store and by retailers in digital formats only.
The change will not apply to games released, or already scheduled for disc release, before that date.
Separately, Sony said it would begin shutting down the PlayStation Store on its legacy PS3 and PS Vita devices, starting with select markets this year and expanding globally in 2027.
The 15- to 20-year-old consoles can no longer support the secure payment systems used by the modern PlayStation Network, the company said.
Have thoughts about this topic? Others do, too. Join them in the discussion.
Once the stores close, users will no longer be able to purchase new content, although previously purchased games and content will remain available for download for the foreseeable future.
The PS3 store will close in Mexico, Honduras and Nicaragua from August, followed by additional Latin American and Middle Eastern markets later in the year. The PS3 and PS Vita stores will close in all remaining markets in July 2027.
Stay updated with our latest stories and follow us on social media
Be the first to discover new stories, ideas, and updates from our team.