Sony Interactive Entertainment will stop producing physical game discs for all new PlayStation console releases from January 2028.
The company said new PlayStation games released from that date will be sold in digital formats only.
Games will still be available through the PlayStation Store and retailers, but not as new physical discs.
Sony said the decision reflects changing consumer habits.
“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs,” the company said.
Sony added that the move would bring PlayStation closer to how most of its community now prefers to access and play games.
Existing discs not affected
Sony said the change will not affect games that have already been released on disc.
It will also not affect games scheduled for release in disc format before January 2028.
The company said it would continue to focus resources on new ways for players to access games.
Sony said it still wants to give players choices over where they buy games, including through retailers and the PlayStation Store.
“We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans and we thank you for your continued support,” Sony said.
Questions over digital ownership
The move follows years of growth in digital game sales, subscription services and consoles sold without disc drives.
Sony already sells a disc-free version of the PlayStation 5.
Some newer console designs also support detachable disc drives in selected markets.
However, the shift comes as some consumers question how much ownership they have over digital libraries.
Sony recently notified customers that they would no longer be able to watch hundreds of previously purchased StudioCanal movies from 1 September 2026 because of licensing arrangements.
PlayStation’s video services were not supported in South Africa, but the move still raised concerns about digital purchases.
PS3 and PS Vita stores closing
Sony also confirmed plans to close the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita.
The PS3 store will close first in Mexico, Honduras and Nicaragua from August 2026.
More Latin American and Middle Eastern countries will follow later in 2026.
In all other countries, the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita will close in July 2027.
Sony said players will still be able to download previously purchased content for the foreseeable future.
The company said older devices can no longer support updated payment and commerce systems at the required level.
Sony said PS3 and PS Vita remain an important part of PlayStation history, adding that closing the stores was not an easy decision.