Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
Sony is reportedly putting ‘important notice’ labels on PS5 consoles — warning buyers that disc…
Sony is reportedly placing 'important notice' labels on PlayStation 5 consoles, informing buyers that the company plans to end physical disc production by January 2028. New game releases will be digital-only from that date, though existing discs will remain playable. Sony CFO Lin Tao confirmed the company is cautiously moving forward with the decision, citing the overall progression of digital content.
PS5 boxes updated with physical games warning label as politicians call out Sony
Sony is updating PlayStation 5 boxes with a warning label about its discontinuation of physical games after 2027, signaling a move towards a digital-only future. This decision has drawn criticism from politicians in Mexico, Brazil, and France, who argue it restricts consumer rights and promotes a model of licensing over ownership. While the EU has not intervened, citing existing consumer protection laws, Sony maintains it is proceeding cautiously with its plans.
Capcom isn't worried about PlayStation and Nintendo shrinking the physical games market: "90% of our unit…
Capcom is not concerned about the shrinking physical games market, as approximately 90% of its unit sales are already digital. While Sony plans to cease manufacturing new PlayStation discs by 2028 and Nintendo's Game-Key cards function similarly to download codes, Capcom anticipates no significant impact on its business. This stance contrasts with broader industry concerns about digital rights and true game ownership.
PS5 Packaging With Warning About End of Disc Production Spotted at Stores – Rumor
New PlayStation 5 console boxes spotted in stores include a warning that Sony will end physical disc production for games in January 2028, shifting entirely to digital formats. Company CFO Lin Tao confirmed the decision, citing the progression of digitalization in content consumption, while acknowledging community concerns. Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek suggested the move aligns with consumer purchasing trends favoring digital convenience.
Engadget Indie Pitch: 'VILE: Exhumed' physical edition
The interactive video nasty game VILE: Exhumed is receiving a physical edition release. Further details regarding platforms and release date are expected.
'It Would Be a Real Shame for That Culture to Disappear': Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Says Physical Game Releases Must Continue
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, expressed concern that the discontinuation of physical game releases could lead to the loss of a significant part of gaming culture. This statement follows Sony's decision to discontinue PlayStation 5 disc drives.
God of War creator says Sony's decision to kill PlayStation discs is likely because "the needs of the many…
God of War creator David Jaffe believes Sony's decision to cease PlayStation game disc production in 2028 is a logical move for the majority of users, citing the principle that 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.' This perspective aligns with declining physical sales and the increased profitability of digital distribution for publishers, despite concerns about game preservation and ownership.
Evening Reading - August 3, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of gaming news, including reviews for Beast of Reincarnation and Marvel Rivals, updates on Gears of War: E-Day and Street Fighter 6, and announcements for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and Palworld Online. The article also touches on business news regarding GameStop stock and discusses physical video game media.
No shade Sony, but Hideo Kojima is celebrating his love of physical discs with a new limited edition version of my…
Hideo Kojima's Kojima Productions has collaborated with audio brand km5 to release a limited edition CD player inspired by Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The neon orange Cp1 features Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a design reminiscent of the game's BB Pod. This release celebrates the enduring appeal of physical media, even as Sony potentially scales back its disc production.
Hideo Kojima's got his hands on a wireless CD player in this latest limited edition collaboration
Hideo Kojima has unveiled a limited edition Death Stranding 2-themed CD player, a collaboration with km5. This Bluetooth 5.3 enabled disc spinner features a translucent orange aesthetic and will retail for $199, with a standard version available for $159.
Weekend Discussion - August 2, 2026
This Weekend Discussion post from Shacknews reflects on various topics including a potential Ocarina of Time remake, strategies for Surviving Mars, the value of physical media, and music recommendations. It also highlights recent Shacknews articles covering Gears of War: E-Day, Blue Reflection Quartet, and Silent Hill: Townfall.
Microsoft Planned to Continue Supporting Discs Before Xbox Reset – Rumor
A rumor suggests Microsoft may have planned to continue supporting physical disc drives for Xbox consoles before a recent internal reset, primarily to ensure backwards compatibility. This contrasts with Sony's apparent move away from discs for future PlayStation consoles. The possibility of separate disc drives was also mentioned as a potential solution.
PlayStation’s Response to the Physical Disc Backlash Is Not Reassuring
Sony Group Corporation has confirmed its decision to cease new game disc production for PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, despite significant backlash from fans. The company cites the overall progression of digitalization as the primary reason, with CFO Lin Tao stating that the decision was carefully considered and will be cautiously moved forward. While acknowledging fan sentiment, Sony does not anticipate a significant short-term or long-term business impact, as digital sales already constitute the majority of their software revenue.
Shack Chat: What is your favorite piece of physical video game media?
Shacknews staff members share their favorite pieces of physical video game media, ranging from classic console re-releases and collector's editions to rare cartridges and fightsticks. The discussion highlights the sentimental value and importance of physical media for game preservation and personal memories, especially in an era of increasing digital-only releases and subscription services.
Something for the Weekend – 01/08/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony's cautious approach to physical media, Nvidia's reported graphics card price increase, and Double Fine regaining independence with layoffs. New game announcements include Thimbleweed Park 2 and a Croc 2 remaster, with Crazy Taxi: World Tour and Marathon's PvE mode receiving updates. PlayStation Plus August 2026 Essential games were revealed, and Xbox Network experienced downtime due to a licensing service issue.
In happier times, Sony was courting PC gamers with lavish magazine ads for its 'most popular CD-ROM titles'
A look back at 1996 reveals a Sony eager to court PC gamers with lavish magazine ads for its 'most popular CD-ROM titles,' including WipEout and Twisted Metal, contrasting sharply with its current stance on physical media and PC releases. This historical perspective highlights a significant shift in Sony Interactive Entertainment's strategy over three decades.
Evening Consolidation
Sony Interactive Entertainment reported flat sales for the first quarter, indicating a cautious approach to future business strategies. The company is reportedly moving forward with plans to halt the production of physical game discs.
Sony to Investors: Player Anger Over Disc Cuts Hasn’t Dented the Business
Sony's CFO stated that the discontinuation of physical game discs has not negatively impacted the company's business, despite player backlash. The company's confidence is based on the high digital download ratio, which reached 82% for full game software across PS4 and PS5. Sony plans to end disc production in 2028, prioritizing digital sales for increased revenue.
"I wish physical media was here to stay": As Sony reports 82% digital PlayStation sales, ex-Blizzard boss says "the purchasing trend from consumers is clear"
Sony reported that 82% of its PlayStation game sales are now digital, a trend former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra finds significant, despite his personal preference for physical media. Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad noted Xbox's digital ratio exceeds 90%, and Capcom anticipates 95% digital sales by next year, highlighting a clear consumer shift away from physical discs.
Sony exec says killing discs won't make the PlayStation 6 too much like a PC: 'Going forward, we can coexist…
Sony's chief financial officer, Lin Tao, stated that the company will end physical disc production in 2028, citing the overall digitalization of content as the primary reason. Despite backlash, Sony believes physical discs are not a strong differentiator for future consoles like the PlayStation 6 and that digital and PC gaming ecosystems can coexist.
