Sony Warns PS5 Disc Edition Buyers That the Era of Physical Games is Ending

The company previously made it clear that it completely ignores the opinions of those who are dissatisfied.

Sony is continuing preparations to phase out physical game copies for PlayStation, confirming that it does not intend to change its previously announced plans. Users discovered a special warning regarding the upcoming transition to a digital game distribution model on the boxes of new console versions with disc drives that have already started arriving at retail stores.

The message, printed on the packaging in multiple languages, states that starting in January 2028, all new PlayStation games will be sold exclusively in digital format through the PlayStation Store and from retailers as digital codes. Meanwhile, discs for games released before January 2028 will continue to work on consoles with optical drives.

The appearance of such labeling indicates that the company is preparing buyers for the changes in advance and likely aims to avoid potential future legal claims associated with ending the production of physical media.

Despite criticism from a portion of the gaming community, Sony shows no intention of revising its strategy. The company has already begun retraining employees at its Austrian facility, which previously handled physical media production, and previously told investors that it has not observed any noticeable impact of online protests on its business.