Sony's 2028 Disc Exit Threatens $7.2 Billion Used Game Market
Updated
Updated · Eurogamer.net · Jul 22
Sony's 2028 Disc Exit Threatens $7.2 Billion Used Game Market
3 articles · Updated · Eurogamer.net · Jul 22
Summary
$7.2 billion in global second-hand game sales could be wiped out after Sony plans to stop manufacturing PlayStation discs by January 2028, according to Dataintelo analysis cited by CNBC.
One-third of games have historically been resold, Wedbush's Michael Pachter said, and trade-ins helped fund new purchases; analysts say forcing players into digital removes that affordability valve rather than letting demand shift naturally.
42.3% of 2025 used-market revenue came from consoles, while North America led with 36.8%—about $2.65 billion—and more than 38% of U.S. game transactions involved a pre-owned title.
Existing discs will still circulate, but the move signals a likely disc-less PS6 and a faster decline for brick-and-mortar retailers as digital-only distribution spreads across future releases.
With PlayStation discs gone by 2028, does this mark the definitive end of true video game ownership for consumers?
Is Sony's digital-only shift a genius profit move or a gamble that will alienate millions of its loyal players?
Sony Announces January 2028 Deadline for Physical PlayStation Games: Digital-Only Future Raises Ownership and Access Concerns
Overview
Sony Interactive Entertainment will shift to a digital-only model for all new PlayStation titles starting January 2028, ending the production of physical discs for future releases. This move follows a broader industry trend and responds to changing consumer preferences, as more players now prefer digital formats over physical media. By going digital, Sony aims to reduce manufacturing and shipping costs, offer immediate access to games, and open new possibilities for game delivery. While existing disc-based games will still work, no new titles after the cutoff will get physical releases, marking a major change for longtime collectors and the gaming market.