Physical Media Sales
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media Sales.
Latest coverage
38.5% of Nintendo’s Game Sales Are Still Boxed Copies as Sony Phases Out PS5 Discs
Nintendo reports that 38.5% of its game sales are still physical copies, a figure significantly higher than other major publishers like Capcom, where digital sales account for approximately 90%. Sony plans to phase out PlayStation 5 disc releases by January 2028, while Xbox is exploring ways to convert physical licenses to digital ownership. Nintendo continues to offer physical cartridges, Game-Key Cards, and digital codes, with boxed versions often priced higher than their digital counterparts.
Nintendo says 38.5% of its sales are still physical editions
Nintendo has stated that 38.5% of its sales are still derived from physical editions, indicating a continued market for physical media. This comes as Sony reportedly plans to discontinue traditional physical releases by 2028 with the PlayStation 6.
Death of Physical Games Will Not Have a 'Significant Impact' On Sales, Resident Evil Publisher Capcom Says
Capcom, the developer behind Resident Evil and Monster Hunter, believes the decline of physical game sales will not significantly impact its revenue. The company stated that the majority of its game sales are already digital, making the shift less consequential for its business.
Sony May Have the Data on Its Side, but It’s Still Losing the Digital-Only Argument
Sony's decision to move to digital-only games by 2028 has faced significant backlash, with consumers concerned about game preservation and the loss of physical media. Despite this, the company has remained largely silent, possibly anticipating the reaction and relying on declining physical sales data. The article questions the long-term viability of an all-digital future, citing potential issues with online infrastructure and the importance of physical media for certain markets and consumer preferences.
Just seven games: the shrinking state of physical PlayStation sales in 2026
Physical sales of PlayStation games in the US have drastically declined, with only seven titles selling over 100,000 copies since the start of 2026. This trend is exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of digital-only consoles like the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S. Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to cease production of new disc-based titles by January 2028, signaling a significant shift away from physical media.
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.
Sony-Owned Crunchyroll Is Now Kneecapping Physical Anime Sales
Sony-owned Crunchyroll is significantly scaling back its physical anime sales, transitioning its online store to focus on collectibles and limited-release products exclusively for higher-tier subscribers. This move, which follows the acquisition and integration of The Right Stuf International, has angered fans who relied on the service for physical discs of anime and other media. The decision is seen by some as a continuation of Sony's perceived hostility towards physical media, similar to its plans for PlayStation game discs.
PlayStation’s Disc-Based Game Sales Have Dropped Dramatically In Recent Years
Sony will cease support for physical discs for all PlayStation games starting January 2028, a move driven by a significant decline in physical software sales and a shift towards digital distribution. This decision, which aims to cut costs and eliminate the resale market, is seen as a major turning point for the industry and raises concerns about game preservation.
Physical video game sales reach new low as report shows zero growth for industry
The video game industry experienced zero growth in 2025, with worldwide consumer spending remaining stagnant despite record profits. This lack of growth is primarily attributed to a significant decline in physical game sales, which have reached their lowest point since 1995. Publishers are increasingly relying on microtransactions and live service games to compensate for shrinking revenue pools.
