Sony
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Sony.
Latest coverage
Final Tonalite Wireless Earbuds Review
The Final Tonalite wireless earbuds offer a compelling audio experience, particularly through their personalized DTAS sound profiling technology which significantly enhances sound quality. They feature Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC support, and effective active noise cancellation, rivaling Sony's offerings. While the sound is exceptional, the design and build quality are considered a mixed bag, and the setup process involves a unique head-scanning procedure.
Despite outrage at Sony's shift towards a discless future, only seven PlayStation games have managed more than 100,000 physical sales in the US this year
Despite consumer outcry, only seven PlayStation games have sold over 100,000 physical copies in the US this year, highlighting Sony's business rationale for shifting away from physical discs. Analyst Mat Piscatella noted that in a single week, only two PlayStation games exceeded 10,000 physical sales. Sony plans to cease physical disc production in January 2028.
PlayStation Plus Extra, Premium July 2026 Games Rolling Out Now
Sony's PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers are rolling out their July 2026 game additions, with staggered releases by region. Titles available this week include Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Rise of the Ronin, and Dying Light, among others. Specific release dates vary, with some games launching globally on July 21st and others on July 28th in the US, UK, and Japan.
Former Valve writer says PlayStation killing physical discs is no conspiracy: "You, the consumer, have made your…
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek argues that consumers are responsible for PlayStation's move away from physical discs, citing a strong preference for digital purchases. He points to low physical sales figures and the popularity of digital-only services like Game Pass as evidence that players have driven this industry shift.
Only 7 PlayStation games have sold over 100,000 physical copies in the US this year, says analyst, as commenters demand…
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella reports that only seven PlayStation games have sold over 100,000 physical copies in the US this year, suggesting a decline in physical media sales. Despite fan outcry for physical discs, data indicates that digital sales are dominant, with over half of Xbox Series consoles and a quarter of PlayStation 5 consoles lacking physical drives.
PS6 will avoid PS5 overheating problem reveals Sony patent
A recently published Sony patent suggests the upcoming PlayStation 6 will feature a revised cooling system designed to prevent overheating issues that affected some early PlayStation 5 models. This new vaporisation-based system aims to improve efficiency and eliminate liquid metal leakage problems, regardless of console orientation.
Two weeks after Sony announced it was killing discs, Best Buy has a rock-bottom price on a PS5 Digital Edition
Best Buy is offering the original PlayStation 5 Digital Edition console for $349.99, a significant discount compared to current prices for the Slim model. This deal comes as Sony plans to discontinue physical media support after 2028, making digital-only consoles a more prominent consideration.
Marathon’s game director resigned from Bungie for ‘something new, somewhere else’
Joe Ziegler, game director for Bungie's upcoming game Marathon, has announced his resignation from the company. He expressed gratitude to fans for their support and stated that the mission for Marathon will continue under new leadership, with Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin taking over. Ziegler is moving on to a new opportunity elsewhere.
"Honestly, it's still getting worse" - Valve Steam Machine engineer says component prices are still rising, potentially paving the way for a price increase
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that consumer electronics component prices are still rising, potentially leading to price increases for products like the Steam Machine and Steam Deck. This trend is also impacting consoles, with Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo having already raised prices or planning to do so. Separately, Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard thanked fans for their support following recent announcements about Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects, emphasizing that the company listens to community feedback.
The Daily Grind: Does your MMO have a rivalry with another game?
This article discusses the phenomenon of rivalries between Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMORPGs), using examples like Destiny 2 and Marathon, and the long-standing perceived competition between World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, and Final Fantasy XIV. It questions the legitimacy and origins of these rivalries, encouraging readers to share their own experiences.
Sony’s Digital-Only Future Is Facing Its Biggest Fight Yet
Sony's move towards a digital-only future for PlayStation is facing significant backlash and legal challenges, including an antitrust motion filed by Mexican lawmakers. Critics argue this strategy limits consumer choice, harms the second-hand market, and raises concerns about true game ownership and long-term access, especially given potential issues with regional availability and internet dependency. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and even other companies like GOG have voiced strong opposition, highlighting the erosion of trust and the need for Sony to address these issues.
UK Retailer Game Collapses Due to Almost £16 Million in Debt
UK-based video game retailer Game has entered administration, owing approximately £15.8 million to creditors. The company, which once operated 300 stores, has faced significant financial challenges due to shifts towards digital game sales, economic pressures, and a lack of major console releases. This collapse follows Sony's announcement to cease PlayStation disc production in 2028, a move criticized by the Entertainment Retailers Association for harming retailers and consumer choice.
Call of Duty movie will be set in the Modern Warfare universe
The upcoming Call of Duty movie will be set in the Modern Warfare universe, as confirmed by director Peter Berg. Activision producer Rob Kostich emphasized the importance of authenticity and epic scope for the film, which is slated for a June 30, 2028 release. In other news, Marathon director Joe Ziegler has departed Bungie, passing leadership to Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin amidst ongoing studio layoffs and legal disputes.
Marathon director Joe Ziegler leaves Bungie just four months after launch
Joe Ziegler, the director of Bungie's upcoming game Marathon, has departed the studio after three and a half years. He announced his last day was July 17th and that he is passing the game director role to Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin. This news comes amidst ongoing controversy for Bungie, including recent layoffs affecting hundreds of employees across multiple teams.
God of War Laufey star Deborah Ann Woll isn't phased by the negative reactions to its announcement: 'I feel…
Actress Deborah Ann Woll, who voices Laufey in the upcoming God of War Laufey, is unfazed by negative online reactions to the game's female protagonist. Woll stated she is not bothered by the criticism, believing the game is good regardless of personal preference. The article also speculates on the game's potential PC release, given Sony's recent shift towards PlayStation exclusivity.
I’m giving up on modern gaming and I know I’m not the only one - Reader’s Feature
A long-time gamer expresses disillusionment with the modern gaming industry, citing the shift from complete, creative experiences to live service models, microtransactions, and endless monetization. The author feels current trends alienate veteran players and that younger generations are indoctrinated into a system that prioritizes profit over artistic integrity. This sentiment leads the author to abandon modern gaming in favor of retro titles and physical media.
Marvel's Wolverine Trailer Flooded With Comments as Physical Disc Backlash Against PlayStation Continues
A new trailer for Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine has been met with negative comments from fans upset by Sony's decision to stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games. The backlash highlights ongoing player dissatisfaction with the shift away from physical media.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
As PlayStation declares nobody wants physical discs anymore, Gen Z is helping fuel a 16% surge in US music CD sales
Despite PlayStation's move away from physical discs, CD sales in the US have seen a 16% surge, driven by Gen Z and Millennials who view CDs as affordable collectibles. This trend highlights a growing appreciation for physical media and direct artist support, contrasting with the predominantly digital game sales market where similar benefits of ownership and collectibility still hold value.
Marathon Game Director Leaves Bungie At A Tumultuous Time
Joe Ziegler, the game director for Bungie's upcoming title Marathon, has announced his departure from the studio to pursue a new opportunity. Del Chafe III will take over as game director, working with creative director Julia Nardin. Ziegler's exit occurs during a turbulent period for Bungie, which recently underwent layoffs impacting both the Destiny and Marathon teams.
