Games are almost always cheaper in shops, says new report, just as Sony announces an end to PlayStation discs and brings retailers’ futures into question

Sony has announced it will cease manufacturing physical PlayStation discs beginning January 2028, marking a significant shift toward an all-digital future for the platform. The move means future game releases will only be available in digital formats, eliminating physical retail options for PlayStation titles.

The decision has sparked considerable concern, particularly regarding consumer pricing. A recent report by Dutch website Tweakers examined historical prices across 16 games and found that physical copies are consistently cheaper than their digital counterparts. This analysis raises concerns that the elimination of physical discs could lead to higher game prices in the future, as consumers lose the price competition and alternatives that brick-and-mortar retailers provide.

The announcement has dealt a significant blow to traditional game retail stores, which have already been declining for years as consumers increasingly shift to digital purchases. Industry experts describe the move as “a hammer blow for games retail,” highlighting the existential threat this poses to remaining physical game stores and their employees.

Consumer backlash has been notable, with hundreds of thousands of people signing a “Don’t Kill The Disc” petition and many gamers canceling their PlayStation Plus subscriptions in protest. However, industry analysts remain skeptical that this resistance will change Sony’s direction. Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of games industry consultancy Kantan Games, stated that Sony is unlikely to reverse its decision, suggesting the company will simply wait for the controversy to subside before proceeding with the plan.

Games are almost always cheaper in shops, says new report, just as Sony announces an end to PlayStation discs and brings retailers’ futures into question

Sources