Sony has communicated to developers that physical disc production for PlayStation games will cease in January 2028, after which all titles will be digital-only. This announcement has led to speculation that the upcoming PlayStation 6 will not feature a disc drive. However, the company is now reportedly clarifying that publishers and developers will still be able to place re-orders for existing PlayStation disc games that were released before the January 2028 cut-off date. This measure aims to address concerns within the development community regarding the transition to a fully digital market.
While the production of new discs will end, Sony has indicated that retail sales of PlayStation games will continue, albeit without physical media. Publishers will also be offered the opportunity to release new games at retail using digital codes, suggesting that game codes may be available for purchase outside of Sony's direct online store. This strategic shift is attributed by Sony to a changing consumer trend towards digital consumption.