Industry data shows only seven PlayStation games have sold over 100,000 physical copies in the US this year, despite vocal calls for disc releases. The figures highlight a sharp decline in physical media demand on PlayStation platforms
New industry figures suggest a widening gap between vocal support for physical PlayStation games and actual sales. According to data shared by Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, only seven PlayStation titles have sold more than 100,000 physical copies in the United States so far this year. This comes as PlayStation faces ongoing calls from players to maintain disc-based releases, even as the company prepares to phase out physical media by 2028.
Sales data reveals declining demand
Piscatella's analysis covers all PlayStation platforms and publishers, providing a broad view of the current market. For the week ending 11 July 2026, just two PlayStation games managed to sell more than 10,000 physical units in the US. Year-to-date, only seven titles have surpassed the 100,000 mark. While these numbers are not insignificant, they represent a steep drop compared to previous years, when physical sales played a much larger role in the console market.
Earlier estimates from Alinea Analytics suggest that games such as EA Sports FC 26, Resident Evil Requiem, and 007 First Light are likely among the top physical sellers, with each title seeing at least 12% of their global sales coming from disc-based copies. Resident Evil Requiem, in particular, is estimated to have sold 27.8% of its 3.5 million copies as physical discs. However, even these figures are modest by historical standards for PlayStation releases.
Historical context and industry shift
The decline in physical game sales is not unique to PlayStation, but the platform's figures are especially stark. Piscatella previously published data showing that US consumer spending on physical games has dropped from $11.5 billion in 2009 to a projected $1.6 billion in 2026. This long-term trend reflects a broader industry move towards digital distribution, with both PlayStation and Xbox now offering consoles without disc drives. Piscatella estimates that over half of Xbox Series consoles in the US lack a physical drive, while more than a quarter of PlayStation 5 units are digital-only.
Despite this shift, online commentary continues to call for the preservation of physical media. Recent trailers, such as the latest for Marvel's Wolverine, have attracted thousands of comments demanding disc releases. However, the sales data indicates that these demands are not translating into significant purchases at retail.
What this means for PlayStation players
For players who value physical collections, the current sales trajectory raises questions about the long-term viability of disc-based games on PlayStation platforms. Sony's plan to end physical game production by 2028 appears increasingly aligned with market realities, even if it remains unpopular among a vocal segment of the community. The data suggests that unless purchasing habits change, physical releases will continue to shrink in both availability and relevance.
Players who wish to see physical games persist are being reminded by analysts that actual purchases, rather than online comments, are what ultimately influence platform-holder decisions. As digital sales continue to dominate, the future of physical media on PlayStation looks increasingly limited.
Understanding the difference between physical and digital game sales is crucial for interpreting these trends. Physical sales refer to boxed copies sold through retail channels, while digital sales are purchases made via online storefronts and downloaded directly to the console. The shift towards digital has been driven by convenience, faster access, and changing consumer habits. For collectors and those concerned about long-term access, physical discs offer certain advantages, but the market is now overwhelmingly shaped by digital demand and platform strategies.
