Games & Commerce

Sony ends PS5 optical disc production as downloads dominate

Sony Interactive Entertainment will end production of 4K UHD Blu-ray discs for the PlayStation 5, saying digital media demand now far exceeds physical discs. Japan ITmedia reported the most direct reason was the overwhelming share of download sales. Sony Group data showed downloads accounted for 78 percent of annual game sales in fiscal 2025 and hit a record 85 percent in January to March 2026, while disc purchases were 15 percent.

Games & Commerce

Sony to end physical PlayStation game discs from 2028, halt optical disc production

Sony will stop producing physical optical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028. It said new games will be sold only in digital form through the PlayStation Store and retail distribution channels, a move expected to affect users, offline retailers and game preservation groups. Sony cited changing consumer patterns, with digital downloads accounting for 78 percent of game purchases in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. Critics raised concerns about reduced consumer choice and ownership rights.