Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
Former PlayStation Executive Says He’s “A Totally Digital Consumer” on Subject of Discs
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida stated he is a "totally digital consumer" and prefers not to manage physical discs, aligning with the convenience of digital distribution. He acknowledged the value of physical games for collectors but argued that the necessity of downloading patches and updates makes the absence of a disc less significant. Yoshida also suggested that flexible digital pricing and regular discounts could mitigate concerns about the loss of the second-hand market.
GTA 6 Footage Slips Into a PlayStation Trailer Nobody Saw Coming
Footage from Grand Theft Auto VI has appeared in a PlayStation promotional trailer, showcasing brief clips of Lucia and Jason. While not new, its inclusion suggests the game remains on schedule for its November release. The trailer also sparked discussion about PlayStation's move away from physical media.
Control Resonant Still Comes Out Next Month, Unless You Want It On Disc
Remedy Entertainment has announced that Control Resonant has gone gold and will be released digitally on September 24. However, the physical edition has been delayed to October 15. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with an option for two-day early access on PS5 via the digital deluxe edition.
The physical media selection at Sony's Crunchyroll is even worse than fans feared after store update: all books…
Crunchyroll, owned by Sony's Funimation, has launched a new subscriber-only store that has removed all manga, light novels, and most Blu-rays, significantly reducing its physical media offerings. The store now primarily focuses on figures, apparel, and collectibles, with a very limited selection in home entertainment and music categories.
Sony launches new 'It Happens on PS5' ad featuring GTA 6, but it can't escape angry fans —…
Sony's new 'It Happens on PS5' ad, featuring Grand Theft Auto 6 and other upcoming titles, has been met with backlash from fans protesting the company's decision to end physical disc production in January 2028. Despite fan outcry and comments urging Sony to reconsider, CFO Lin Tao confirmed the company is proceeding cautiously with the decision. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick cited the industry's shift to digital distribution as the reason for the change.
'No Disc No Buy' Comments Dominate Sony's Phantom Blade Zero State of Play Livestream, as Planned PlayStation Boycott Nears
Comments on Sony's State of Play livestream for Phantom Blade Zero were dominated by discussions about the lack of physical media, with some users expressing a 'No Disc No Buy' sentiment. A planned PlayStation boycott appears to be nearing.
Phantom Blade Zero State of Play bravely leaves comments on, is flooded with PlayStation fans telling Sony "no disc…
During a PlayStation State of Play presentation for Phantom Blade Zero, the live chat was flooded with comments from fans protesting Sony's decision to discontinue physical game discs by 2028. Despite widespread community backlash and chants of "no disc no buy," Sony appears unphased by the potential impact on its business.
IRL Homescreen for Wii physical discs now includes a secret bookshelf mechanism that will save you from the horrors of…
A DIY project called the 'IRL homescreen' has been updated with a secret bookshelf mechanism that randomly selects a physical game to play. This invention, created by AlmostInventor, uses motors to present the chosen disc and projects game art, offering a novel way to combat indecisiveness. The project highlights a continued desire for physical media integration with digital features, even as companies like Sony move towards digital-only releases.
Sony Ending PlayStation Disc Production “Was Always Going to Happen”, Says Analyst
Games industry analyst Piers Harding-Rolls believes Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production was inevitable due to the increasing digitalization of content and the desire to retain more revenue within their ecosystem. He also noted that ongoing component shortages could force future console prices higher, potentially limiting audience size. The January 2028 deadline is seen as a generational timing marker for the PlayStation 6 launch.
Sony ending PlayStation discs "was always going to happen," says analyst, as the PS6 costing $1,000 would "limit your audience quite significantly"
Games analyst Piers Harding-Rolls believes Sony's move to end support for new PlayStation discs, likely around the PlayStation 6's release, was inevitable due to manufacturing costs and the profitability of digital sales. He also notes that rising component costs could push the PlayStation 6 price to $1000, potentially limiting its audience.
Killing PlayStation discs could make PS Store games cheaper, according to a former Square Enix exec
A former Square Enix executive, Jacob Navok, suggests that Sony's decision to end physical media support for PlayStation games from January 2028 could lead to lower prices on the PlayStation Store. Navok argues that publishers, who set digital prices, will compete more directly with each other, resulting in more sales and dynamic pricing similar to Steam.
The PSP is the ultimate physical media EDC in 2026, change my mind
This opinion piece argues that the PlayStation Portable (PSP) is the ultimate device for physical media enthusiasts in 2026. Despite its 2005 launch, the PSP's UMD format for games and movies, combined with its handheld capabilities, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking ownership in an increasingly digital world. The article also touches on the PSP's potential as an early smartphone and its ease of repair, making it an attractive option for tinkerers.
Marvel's Wolverine "fully playable" on disc when it releases, Insomniac clarifies, perhaps making it one of the last few PlayStation games that will be
Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will be fully playable on disc upon its PlayStation 5 release on September 15th, clarifying it will not require a full download. This announcement comes amidst Sony's controversial decision to cease producing game discs by January 2028, a move that has sparked backlash over concerns about second-hand sales and digital store monopolies.
Stop Killing Games has joined a lawsuit against Sony's move to digital-only sales: 'You won't have any…
The consumer group Stichting Massaschade & Consument, supported by Stop Killing Games, is suing Sony over its move towards digital-only game sales. They argue that eliminating physical discs by 2028 will create a monopoly for Sony, allowing them to dictate game prices and usage rights, removing the second-hand market and alternative purchasing options.
One Lord of the Rings fan is fighting back after Google removed the extended edition from their digital library
A fan reported that Google Play removed the extended edition trilogy of The Lord of the Rings from their digital library, despite the user having purchased it. Google initially refused a refund, citing policy, but later offered a partial credit and links to the films, though some remain inaccessible. This incident highlights concerns about digital ownership and the reliability of digital libraries compared to physical media.
Stop Killing Games backs Dutch consumer rights lawsuit against Sony's PlayStation digital store "monopoly"
Stop Killing Games has joined a lawsuit in the Netherlands against Sony, alleging a monopoly on digital game sales through the PlayStation Store. The lawsuit, filed by Stichting Massaschade & Consument on behalf of 1.7 million Dutch users, argues that Sony's exclusive control over its digital storefront is unfair, especially with the phasing out of physical discs. This situation is contrasted with the PC market, which benefits from multiple competing digital storefronts.
Sony has 'zero understanding for what their customers want' says gaming preservation group
Gaming preservation advocate Clemens Istel criticizes Sony and other companies for disregarding customer rights and pushing towards digital-only distribution, potentially leading to games becoming inaccessible. He highlights issues with physical game compatibility and the loss of true ownership, contrasting console practices with the more DRM-free options available on PC.
Insomniac confirms Marvel's Wolverine is 'fully playable on the disc' out of the box — just months before Sony ends physical game production for good
Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will be fully playable on its PlayStation 5 disc upon release, addressing concerns following Sony's decision to end physical game production by January 2028. While the game will be playable offline from the disc, the studio encourages players to download the day-one patch for additional polish and bug fixes.
Marvel's Wolverine PS5 console won't come with a disc drive, but PlayStation will happily sell you a…
Sony has revealed a limited edition Marvel's Wolverine PlayStation 5 console bundle, which will be digital-only and priced at $649.99. The console features Wolverine's iconic black and yellow design, with transparent plastic claw marks revealing the internal components. This release has sparked discussion about Sony's move away from physical media, with some players expressing a preference for disc-based games.
Marvel's Wolverine "fully playable" on disc when it releases, Insomniac clarifies, perhaps making it one of the last few PlayStation games that will be
Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will be fully playable on disc upon its PlayStation 5 release on September 15th, clarifying it will not require a full download. This announcement comes amidst Sony's controversial decision to cease producing game discs by January 2028, a move that has sparked backlash over concerns about second-hand sales and digital store monopolies.