Sony has announced that it will completely cease production of physical discs for new PlayStation games starting January 2028. The decision was officially shared via the PlayStation Blog on July 1, 2026.

What’s Changing

From January 2028 onward, all new PlayStation games will be available exclusively in digital format, both on the PlayStation Store and through retailers. Games released or planned for release before this date, such as a God of War or Call of Duty sequel in 2027, will not be affected and can still be sold on disc. Retail sales will continue, but physical boxes will now include a digital download code instead of a disc.

Why This Move

Sony described this shift as a natural step, citing that digital game sales have overwhelmingly surpassed physical discs. The announcement came just days after it was revealed that GTA 6’s physical edition would only include a download code, which sparked backlash among collectors. Additionally, the price of the PS5 disc version increased from $549.99 to $649.99 in April 2026, further reducing the cost appeal of physical media.

PS3 and PS Vita Store Closures

In the same announcement, Sony stated that the PlayStation Store would close for PS3 in selected markets this year, followed by a global shutdown for both PS3 and PS Vita in 2027. After these closures, you won’t be able to purchase new digital content for these consoles, but previously purchased games and content will remain available for download.

What Does This Mean for PS6

Sony has not commented on the timing of the PS6, but industry analysts believe this move signals that the PS6 will arrive no earlier than 2028. On the Xbox side, Microsoft is also hinting at a digital shift, as they begin testing a disc-to-digital feature that converts existing Xbox One and Series X/S physical game collections to digital format.

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With the digital transition accelerating, it’s smart to top up your PlayStation Store wallet in advance. If you want to buy new games or DLCs without sharing your credit card info, you can instantly add funds to your account using a PlayStation Store gift card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my existing disc games still work?

Yes, this decision only affects new game production. Your current disc games and console disc drive will continue to function as usual.

Will games released in 2027 be available on disc?

They might be. The change only applies to games released after January 2028, so decisions for earlier titles are up to developers and publishers.

Will I lose my PS3 and PS Vita games?

No. After the stores close, you won’t be able to make new purchases, but previously bought content will still be downloadable.