PlayStation is set to stop making physical game discs in a move labelled "depressing" by users.
The gaming platform, in the announcement on Wednesday (July 1), said the decision came due to "shifting trends in consumer preference".
In a statement, PlayStation said: "As consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continue to shift away from physical discs to digital, physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028.
"Following this date, new games will be available on PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only.
"This transition has no impact on games that have already been released, or will be released, prior to January 2028 in disc format.
Important updates:
News on physical discs for new games - https://t.co/BzZODXdWGY
News on PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita - https://t.co/ev3mN6wj14 pic.twitter.com/PWXTZGHAh6— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 1, 2026
"This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs."
PlayStation users "switching teams" as game discs discontinued
The move to discontinue physical discs in 2028 has been met with backlash from gamers.
One user, posting on X (formerly Twitter), said: "PlayStation just confirmed physical game discs will be NO MORE from January 2028.
"PS6 will be a 100% digital console.
"This is terrible news."
Another person wrote: "I just don't understand the logic.
"We've had physical cartridges and discs for decades.
"Even to a point where they have gained value recently so why remove all physical media.
"It's so depressing!"
A third user commented: "Baffling decision & extremely anti-consumer. I’ve bought my PlayStation games physical since the 90’s.. if they don’t support my games? I’m switching teams.
"Build this collection through the years.. extremely unhappy about it."
Others believe the move was inevitable and agreed with the company's decision.
One PlayStation user said: "That makes sense.
"I don’t get why people become so attached to physical discs.
"Just adapt to technology and stop living in the past."
Another gamer added: "This is not shocking whatsoever and makes complete sense.
"Why would any modern company continue to make CDs?
"Lol it's a dead physical media form."
PlayStation to delete 550 movies and TV shows from UK accounts
Meanwhile, PlayStation is also set to remove more than 550 movies and TV shows from UK accounts in the coming months.
Content from Studio Canal purchased by PlayStation users will be deleted in September due to a licensing agreement.
PlayStation has outlined a list of affected movies and TV shows, which include:
- Apocalypse Now
- Bridget Jones' Diary
- Hot Fuzz
- Johnny English Strikes Again
- Legend
- Paddington
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- The Imitation Game
- Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
A full list can be found on the PlayStation website.
If you bought any of the films or shows included in this list, you'll no longer be able to access them once they are removed.
Tom's Hardware adds: "There is no workaround, no method to offload them to another device; just absolute, emotionless deletion that doesn't even offer refunds."
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When will PlayStation remove these movies and TV shows?
The affected titles will be removed from PlayStation accounts in the UK on September 1, 2026.
The PlayStation website reads: "From September 1, 2026, due to our content licensing agreements, you will no longer be able to access your previously purchased content from Studio Canal, and it will be removed from your video library."
Do you agree with PlayStation's decision to scrap physical game discs? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
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