Sony's forthcoming cessation of physical PlayStation disc manufacturing, scheduled for January 2028, has raised concerns among consumers regarding the future cost of games. A report from Dutch website Tweakers, which analyzed pricing data for 16 first and third-party PS5 games over four years, suggests that games may become more expensive as a result of this shift to digital-only formats.
The analysis, drawing from Tweakers' Pricewatch service and Dutch PlayStation Store prices, indicates a significant difference in price fluctuation between retail and digital storefronts. Retail prices for games typically decrease over time, while games on the PlayStation Store often retain their launch prices for extended periods, barring promotional sales. Although the PS Store can offer lower prices during sales events, the report highlights that games are generally more likely to be found at a lower cost through retail channels throughout the year.
This trend is particularly pronounced for first-party PlayStation exclusives. The report found these titles to be "almost never cheaper than their physical counterparts," with Sony rarely reducing the initial price point. Even older titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart remain at their original release prices, with Horizon Forbidden West being a rare exception, having seen a permanent price drop from €80 to €60. For third-party games, permanent price reductions on the PlayStation Store are infrequent.
While retailers will still be able to sell physical copies that may contain codes or vouchers, the end of disc manufacturing effectively eliminates the resale market for used games. This move is expected to benefit Sony financially, with calculations suggesting the company could earn significantly more per game sale, potentially increasing revenue by up to 54 percent for first-party titles and 40 percent for third-party games. This financial incentive is a key driver behind Sony's decision, according to industry observers.
The decision has been met with considerable backlash, including a petition signed by hundreds of thousands and widespread criticism on social media. The shift away from physical media will remove the ability for players to resell or share their games, a practice common with disc-based titles.