Sony-Owned Crunchyroll Is Now Kneecapping Physical Anime Sales
Crunchyroll, Sony’s anime streaming platform, is overhauling its online store starting in August 2026 to require exclusive access for Mega and Ultimate subscription tiers (costing $14 and $18 monthly). Free-tier guests and Fan tier subscribers will lose the ability to purchase physical anime media and merchandise from the store. The restructured storefront will focus on collectibles, limited-release products, curated drops, and exclusive merchandise rather than serving as a traditional retail outlet.
Crunchyroll claims the shift was inspired by community feedback and the appeal of convention-exclusive merchandise. However, the announcement has generated significant pushback from anime fans and collectors who rely on physical media purchases for content preservation. Since streaming rights frequently expire—causing shows to become unavailable on the platform—physical copies represent the only permanent access to many titles.
The move mirrors Sony’s earlier decision to discontinue PlayStation physical game disc production, indicating a broader corporate strategy favoring digital and subscription-based distribution models. Crunchyroll’s store restructuring follows its 2023 acquisition of The Right Stuf International, an Iowa-based anime retailer, which the company appears to be consolidating and restricting as part of this strategic shift.