Sony's confirmation that new PlayStation games will go digital-only from 2028 has reignited debate over physical media, as new US sales data reveals just seven PlayStation titles have surpassed 100,000 physical copies sold this year
Sony's decision to end production of physical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028 has brought the digital versus physical debate into sharp focus. The move, officially confirmed at the start of July, means all new PlayStation releases from that date will be available exclusively in digital formats, both on the PlayStation Store and at retail. Existing and previously announced disc-based games will remain unaffected, but the shift marks a significant change in how PlayStation content will be distributed in the future.
Physical Sales in Decline
Recent US sales data underlines the scale of the transition. According to Circana's Senior Director and industry advisor Mat Piscatella, only seven PlayStation games have sold more than 100,000 physical copies in the United States so far this year. In the week ending 11 July, just two PlayStation titles managed to clear 10,000 physical units sold. These figures highlight the rapid decline of disc-based sales in the US market, even as debate continues about the value of physical ownership.
It's important to note that these numbers reflect only the US market. In the UK, the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) has argued that physical games still have a committed audience, with its data showing that 25% of under-25s use discs for gaming and the boxed games market valued at over £300 million in 2025. ERA's CEO, Kim Bayley, has criticised Sony's decision as prioritising corporate convenience over consumer choice, emphasising the ongoing demand for physical formats in some regions.
Industry Analysis and Player Reaction
Industry analysts have largely dismissed the possibility of Sony reversing its decision, pointing to the overwhelming dominance of digital sales. Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere notes that when the PlayStation 4 launched in 2013, only 13% of full game sales for Sony consoles were digital. By 2025, that figure had climbed to nearly 80%. The trend is mirrored on other platforms: more than half of all Xbox Series consoles sold in the US lack a disc drive, and over a quarter of PlayStation 5 units are digital-only models.
Despite petitions and vocal opposition from some players concerned about preservation and true ownership, analysts suggest that even a significant protest-such as mass PlayStation Plus subscription cancellations-would have little impact on Sony's strategy. The financial incentives are clear: digital sales offer higher margins, with Sony retaining 100% of revenue from first-party digital sales and a 30% cut from third-party titles, compared to the lower share from physical sales after retailer and manufacturing costs.
What the Shift Means for Players
For players, the move to digital-only releases raises questions about long-term access, resale, and preservation. Physical discs can be shared, traded, and played without reliance on online services, while digital licences are often tied to platform accounts and subject to potential removal. The debate over ownership and access is not unique to PlayStation-Xbox users have also faced concerns about digital libraries, as discussed in NGB's coverage of Xbox account lockouts and digital game access.
Government authorities, including the European Union, have indicated they are unlikely to intervene, stating that companies are free to determine how they offer games and services. For now, Sony's plan appears set, with the company focusing on digital distribution as the dominant model for new PlayStation releases from 2028 onwards.
Sales Figures and Market Context
The latest available data shows that, in the US, only seven PlayStation games have managed to sell more than 100,000 physical copies in 2026 to date. During the week ending 11 July, just two PlayStation titles exceeded 10,000 physical units sold. In contrast, digital sales now account for nearly 80% of all full game purchases on Sony consoles, a dramatic shift from the 13% digital share recorded at the PlayStation 4's launch in 2013. The UK's boxed games market remains substantial, but the global trend is clearly towards digital-first distribution.
For Sony, the financial rationale is straightforward. On a $70 first-party PlayStation game, the company keeps around 65% of the revenue from a physical sale, with the remainder going to retailers and manufacturing. For digital sales, Sony retains the full amount for first-party titles and a 30% platform fee for third-party games, making digital distribution significantly more profitable.
Understanding the difference between physical and digital game ownership is crucial for players navigating this transition. Physical discs offer tangible ownership, the ability to lend or resell, and continued play even if a game is delisted or a service ends. Digital licences, by contrast, are often subject to platform policies, account requirements, and potential removal from storefronts. As the industry moves further towards digital-only releases, questions about long-term access, preservation, and consumer rights will remain central to the conversation.
