Sony goes digital-only for PS games, reshaping a $7B resale market
Sony will halt production of physical discs for all new PlayStation games by the end of 2027, with releases from 2028 onward digital-only via the PlayStation Store. Boxed copies will initially include a download code. The move could shrink the second-hand game market and tighten Sony's control over pricing and discounts, boosting digital revenue and margins but at the cost of consumer resale options and ownership flexibility. Critics warn that removing physical media reduces consumer choice, while supporters say the shift aligns with broader digital trends. Existing discs remain playable, but the long-term resale ecosystem is expected to shrink.