Up until today, gaming consoles were designed to play physical media. From the cartridges-days to CD, Blu-Ray and Flash cards. While newer consoles added virtual stores to buy digital versions of games and content, gamers up until now had always the choice between the two options.
Both offer advantages. Digital means that you can start playing immediately, download always the latest version without any 0-day patching marathons, and do not have to find the Blu-Ray or cartridge first before playing the game.
Physical media comes with its own set of advantages, at least those that still come with a disc and not just a download code (virtual in disguise). The main advantage is that you can lend or sell the game at any time. Buy it, play it, and sell it once you are done. With digital, there is a chance that games are taken away from you at one point in time, because you buy only licenses.
Sony plans to end the Disc
Sony announced this week that it is ending the production of physical discs in January 2028 for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles. Sony claims that the change is a response to shifting consumer preferences.
All new games releasing January 2028 or later will only come in digital format. They can be purchased on the PlayStation Store or at retailers, but also only in digital format. Think of the code in a box releases that are out already or will come out in the future.
Microsoft might follow
While Microsoft has not yet officially buried physical releases, The Verge reports that Microsoft is working on a system to turn physical game discs into virtual copies in preparation for the move.
The idea is simple: When you buy a physical copy, it is added automatically to your game library on installation. However, unlike on PlayStation, where you can’t lend or sell it, lending or selling remains an option, reportedly.
When you sell the game and the new buyer installs it, it is removed from your library and added to the buyer’s.
The end is near
While digital-only gamers could say that this does not really matter to them, it is shortsighted. For the companies, Sony especially, it is a way to dry out the second hand market. If you can’t buy used games anymore, then you may be inclined to pay full price online. More money in Sony’s pockets and less options and rights for gamers.
There is another aspect to this. Some gamers prefer physical boxes and content. While these have deteriorated in quality since the good old days, where games used to come with big manuals and extras at no extra charge, it could seriously dampen the collector’s edition market as well.
I have made up my mind a long time ago. I prefer physical, as it gives me full ownership of the copy. I can sell or lend the game at any time, or put it on a shelf to look at its glorious artwork.
I won’t buy digital games on consoles and if this really hits in 2028, Sony won’t squeeze any more money out of my pockets. Will focus my efforts on retro gaming then. Lots of great games out there that need to be replayed or played for the first time.
What about you? Are you a gamer? Do you prefer physical or digital?