Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
Sony attempts to spin PlayStation disc reduction while physical media sales boom
Sony is attempting to reframe its decision to reduce physical disc production for PlayStation games, following consumer backlash. While a representative clarified that the reduction is not down to 10% but rather an overall 10% decline in product volume, the company declined to comment on disc production beyond 2028. This news comes amidst a reported boom in physical media sales, with consumers pushing back against the trend of digital-only ownership.
NIS president says they “don’t see a difference” with Game-Key Card sales compared to physical
NIS president stated that the company sees no difference in sales between Game-Key Cards and traditional physical game sales for the Nintendo Switch. While third-party developers find the cards cost-effective, many consumers are reportedly unhappy with the format.
As Sony plans to kill discs, PS3 emulator RPCS3 is bringing them back – you can now play physical games on PC…
The open-source PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 now allows users to play physical PS3 games on PC directly from a disc drive, supporting Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD. This development comes as Sony plans to cease disc production for new PlayStation games in 2028, raising concerns about game preservation.
Sony clarifies PlayStation disc production is dropping by 10 percent in 2028, not to 10 percent
Sony has clarified that its PlayStation disc manufacturing output is expected to decrease by 10 percent in 2028, not decline to 10 percent of current levels, correcting earlier reports. This clarification comes as Sony plans to cease producing physical discs for new games from January 2028, though reorders will continue. Former SIE chairman Shawn Layden expressed concern over the shift from ownership to accessibility and its impact on brand value.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation’s Physical Edition Requires Mandatory Download on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
The physical edition of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will require a mandatory internet download, a departure from previous installments. While the Nintendo Switch version will use a game key card, the disc-based versions for current-gen consoles necessitate online connectivity to play, disappointing collectors.
A future without PlayStation discs is "depressing, but solvable," former Sony boss says: "The market has said they will continue to buy them"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden expressed that a future without physical discs is 'depressing, but solvable,' emphasizing the importance of physical media for collectors and devoted fans. While Sony is reducing disc production, some companies like CD Projekt Red are committed to physical releases for their games.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is getting a physical version, but it will require an internet connection to download
The physical edition of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will require an internet connection to download over 100GB of game data, unlike previous entries in the series. This applies to all platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 2, with the latter's version being particularly large at 130GB. The game is set to release on April 8, 2027.
Inside the Nintendo Museum: The DNA of a Toy Maker
The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto highlights the company's enduring 'toy maker' philosophy, contrasting it with Sony's 'data stream' approach. The article emphasizes Nintendo's focus on physical media, tactile experiences, and a broad retail ecosystem, exemplified by the Virtual Boy and its approach to game preservation, while criticizing Sony's reliance on digital distribution and high-spec hardware.
Lego PlayStation console is a thing of a beauty - with classy Ape Escape homage
Sony and Lego have officially unveiled a new Lego set recreating the original PlayStation console. The set includes 1,911 pieces, a brick-built controller, and two hidden dioramas featuring Gran Turismo and Ape Escape. While it does not play games, the set celebrates the iconic console's impact on the industry and the appeal of physical Lego building.
PlayStation Disc Production Will Drop by 10 Percent in 2028, Clarifies Sony DADC Chief
Sony DADC has clarified that its PlayStation disc production will only see a 10 percent decline by January 2028, not drop to 10 percent of its previous volume. Former Sony executive Shawn Layden expressed concerns that ending disc production could negatively impact Sony's brand value and the important cultural aspect of game collecting, drawing parallels to the resurgence of vinyl records.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation launches "both physically and digitally" on the same day: "The promise has…
Square Enix has confirmed that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will launch simultaneously on April 8, 2027, for both physical and digital purchase. This release date precedes Sony's planned 2028 cutoff for physical PlayStation discs. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 version will utilize a game-key card instead of a physical disc.
Sony's discless PlayStation PR disaster isn't going away as State of Play once again flooded with protests
Sony's State of Play livestream was heavily disrupted by fan protests regarding the company's move to a digital-only future for games starting in 2028 and the perceived neglect of the Destiny franchise by Bungie. Fans spammed messages demanding physical game support and a sequel to Destiny 2, highlighting significant player dissatisfaction with Sony's direction.
CD Projekt Red won't be abandoning physical releases
CD Projekt Red, developer of The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2077, intends to continue offering physical releases, according to joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski. While acknowledging the industry shift towards digital and platform holder decisions, CDPR aims to create physical boxes that are valuable to consumers, potentially using download codes instead of discs.
Devil May Cry co-creator understands why physical games are dying, but wants IP holders to prioritize game preservation
Devil May Cry co-creator Hideki Kamiya expresses concern over the decline of physical games and the industry's apparent lack of commitment to game preservation. While understanding the shift to digital, Kamiya urges IP holders to ensure older titles remain accessible for future generations, citing examples like PlayStation's phasing out of discs and Microsoft's layoffs.
Viz Media is launching all 24 Pokemon movies into one Blu-ray collection shaped like a Poke Ball, but you'll need…
Viz Media is launching a limited-edition "Pokemon: 24-Movie Collection" Blu-ray set on November 14, 2026, for $399.99 exclusively on Amazon. The collection includes 16 discs featuring all theatrical Pokemon movies, from "Pokemon the First Movie" to "Pokemon Black & White," but notably omits "Detective Pikachu." The article expresses concern over the high price and lack of detailed content information, particularly regarding language options and inclusion of animated shorts.
'Consoles are here to stay': CD Projekt Red boss bets on Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo 'weathering the…
CD Projekt Red's CEO Michal Nowakowski believes consoles from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo will overcome current hardware shortages and potential price increases. However, the article notes Sony faces backlash over its planned discontinuation of physical game discs in 2028, which could impact sales.
The Witcher 4 probably isn't coming to PS5 with a physical disc, CD Projekt Red boss says, but fans will still get…
CD Projekt Red's co-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that while The Witcher 4 might not have a physical disc for PlayStation 5 due to Sony's planned discontinuation of disc production in 2028, the game will still come in a physical box with collectible items. This decision is influenced by Sony's first-party policies, but CD Projekt Red aims to provide tangible goods for fans.
The Witcher 4 Probably Won’t Be On A Disc, But Dev Teases Physical “Feelies” Of Some Type
CD Projekt Red has indicated that The Witcher 4, slated for a 2028 release, will likely not be available on physical discs due to industry trends. However, the studio's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski teased that a physical "box" with "feelies" will still be offered to fans.
CD Projekt Red powerless regarding PS5 disc edition of The Witcher 4, but promises a game box with "feelies" whatever happens
CD Projekt Red has stated it has no control over Sony's decision to potentially cease PlayStation 5 disc manufacturing by 2028, which could impact the release of The Witcher 4. Despite this uncertainty, the studio plans to release a physical boxed edition with "feelies" regardless of disc availability.
PS5 Being in the Later Stages of its Life Makes Aggressive Marketing Unnecessary, Says Sony CEO
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that aggressive marketing for the PlayStation 5 is unnecessary as it is in the later stages of its lifecycle, with the company focusing instead on recurring revenue from its user base. The article also highlights fan criticism regarding Sony's decision to end physical game releases by 2028, with many expressing a desire to keep physical media.