Sony to End Physical PlayStation Discs in 2028, Prompting Lawsuits and Xbox Counter

Sony announced that starting in January 2028 it will stop producing physical game discs for new PlayStation releases, shifting entirely to digital distribution through the PlayStation Store. The move is intended to cut production costs and increase margins, as digital sales generate a higher commission for Sony than retail sales.

Consumer backlash has been swift. In the Netherlands, the consumer group Stichting Massaschade & Consument filed a €457 million class‑action lawsuit on behalf of 1.7 million players, alleging price‑inflation and monopoly abuse. Mexican lawmakers have filed an antitrust complaint with their National Antitrust Commission, warning that the policy could create a monopolistic market and eliminate second‑hand trading. The EU’s consumer‑protection commissioner said the bloc lacks legal power to block Sony’s decision, while Brazil’s Procon confirmed the change is legal but urged Sony to protect consumer rights. Industry analysts note that digital sales already account for 80‑85 % of PlayStation revenue and that disc‑free consoles could raise hardware prices.

Microsoft’s Xbox is developing a “Positron” program that would let users digitise their Xbox One and Series X discs, preserving a form of second‑hand market and offering a bridge for players who prefer physical media. The program links a physical disc to a digital licence that can be transferred when the disc is moved to another console.

Commentators compare Sony’s disc phase‑out to Apple’s removal of CD drives from laptops, arguing that the transition will reshape ownership rights, pricing and preservation of games, and may accelerate similar moves across the industry.