Sony to phase out new PlayStation physical discs by 2028, digital shift prompts preservation concerns

Sony plans to discontinue production of new PlayStation physical discs from January 2028 and will close the PS3 and PS Vita stores by July 2027, accelerating a shift to digital-only gaming. The move has sparked concerns among publishers, collectors, and preservationists who emphasize the importance of physical media for ownership, durability, and archiving, with several studios pledging to continue offering physical editions where feasible and reframing preservation in a digital era.