Physical PlayStation 5 game sales in the United States have reached a new low, with only two titles exceeding 10,000 units sold in the week ending July 11, 2026. Data released by Mat Piscatella of Circana indicates that merely seven physical PlayStation games have surpassed 100,000 units sold in the US throughout 2026.
This trend reflects a broader industry-wide decline in spending on new physical games, which has been on a downward trajectory since 2009, according to data shared by Piscatella from May 2026. Console manufacturers possess extensive data on global sales and in-game activity, with knowledge of regional variations where digital options may be less viable.
Sony's announced discontinuation of physical disc support in 2028 aligns with this long-term sales data. While hundreds of thousands have signed petitions urging Sony to reconsider, experts suggest these efforts are unlikely to alter the company's direction. The primary drivers for this shift are believed to be increased profitability and tighter control over digital marketplaces.
The upcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, the biggest game of 2026, will be a digital-exclusive release. Although physical copies will be available, they will contain only a code for the digital download. This move is expected to enhance Rockstar's revenue and control over the title.
Microsoft and Nintendo have not yet made public statements regarding their own plans for physical media support.