PS5’s Biggest Physical Games Look Very Different From Its Biggest Digital Hits
Sony’s push toward a digital-only PlayStation platform has generated ongoing industry debate, with new market analysis revealing significant differences in how physical and digital PS5 games perform in 2026. According to data from Alinea Analytics, physical PS5 releases are dominated by premium single-player AAA titles, while the digital marketplace favors different game types.
Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem leads the physical sales charts with an estimated 1.3 million units sold on PS5, making it a standout physical release. The game’s strong performance demonstrates continued consumer appetite for tangible game ownership, particularly for narrative-driven single-player experiences.
The analysis highlights a meaningful divergence between player preferences across distribution channels. Despite Sony’s strategic emphasis on digital distribution, physical games continue to capture significant market share—particularly for established franchises and premium single-player content. This data suggests that console gamers maintain strong interest in physical media ownership alongside digital convenience, complicating Sony’s digital-first strategy and indicating the market remains segmented by media preference.