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PlayStation’s decision to end physical game disc production for new releases from January 2028 has sparked debate among gamers, with some warning that the move could affect future console choices.

The decision was met with widespread outrage and disbelief among gamers worldwide.

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Multi-platform gamer Patrick van Zyl said while he has already embraced digital gaming on PC through Steam, he still values physical games when it comes to consoles such as the Xbox 360, Xbox Series consoles, and PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.

He said if PlayStation moves completely away from discs while Xbox continues offering physical editions of the same games, it could influence gamers to choose Xbox instead.

“If discs disappear from PlayStation but the same games are still available physically on Xbox, then it’s a no-brainer not to buy the next-generation PlayStation console and rather get the next-generation Xbox because I have the choice and I’m not limited,” said van Zyl.

He said physical copies offer a sense of ownership and add to the experience of buying a new game.

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A physical copy means the game is yours. I could get over not having a physical disc, but it has no character and makes getting a new game a basic experience.

“Yes, it’s hassle-free to a degree, but that’s not the point of gaming.”

Van Zyl said physical games also play an important role in preserving older consoles, with the second-hand market helping keep systems such as the PlayStation 2 alive.

“Sometimes you want to go back to the beginning of a game franchise and play the game on the console it was designed to be played on.

“The second-hand games market is what keeps those consoles alive.”

He also raised concerns about access and ownership in a digital-only future.

Digital-only does limit you. A game can only be played for as long as the servers stay active or host the game. You also have to download massive files, sometimes 250GB or more, which can take days depending on your internet connection.

Van Zyl added that physical games also created a different experience for developers and players.

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Rowan Singh said that while physical game discs are no longer as essential as they once were, they still have an important place in gaming despite advances in technology.

“I miss owning physical copies, but it’s not as important as it used to be because it’s now easy to play games without owning a disc thanks to advancements in technology, especially in the gaming industry,” said Singh.

However, he believes physical games remain important because they make gaming more affordable through the second-hand market.

“Games have become more and more expensive, and the second-hand market gives more people the opportunity to enjoy titles they might not otherwise be able to afford.”

Singh also expressed concern that a digital-only future could limit access to older games.

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I think it does limit gamers. Sometimes we enjoy games that aren’t available digitally, especially some of the older classics. We wouldn’t want to lose that link to our childhood favourites.

“It feels like games from the physical disc era had more passion and effort put into their storylines. Digital releases can sometimes feel like games are pushed out before they are ready, with missing content added later through updates.”

Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that physical disc production for all new PlayStation games will stop from January 2028, with future releases available digitally through PlayStation Store and retailers offering digital formats only.

The company said the transition reflects changing consumer preferences, with digital gaming becoming the preferred way that many players access entertainment.