PlayStation physical disc controversy 2026
One page that accretes the verified record as the story develops. Every fact keeps its date and its sources.
Sony PlayStation disc issues and broader problems
The PlayStation 5 Pro costs $900, up from its original price of $700.
After recent price hikes, a PlayStation 5 with an optical drive costs $650.
Sony stated that its decline in hardware sales and R&D on its next-generation platform are cutting into its overall revenue.
PS5 owners cancel PlayStation Plus subscriptions to protest Sony discontinuing disc support
Sony's decision applies to all new PS5 games launched from January 2028 onwards.
A petition calling on Sony to reconsider its decision has reached over 200,000 signatures.
For third-party games sold digitally on the PlayStation Store, Sony keeps a 30% cut.
“Around 50 million people subscribe to PlayStation Plus. As a thought experiment, let's say 500,000 cancel in protest, that would be just 1% of that business gone — of course not enough to Sony to start rethinking. Digital is just too lucrative.”
Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima responds to Sony ending PlayStation physical discs
Kojima tweeted in 2021 that even digital data will eventually no longer be owned by individuals on their own initiative.
Sony removed the game Concord from users' libraries when it was 'unlaunched' in 2024.
Sony removed movies from users' digital libraries that they had already purchased after license agreements expired.
Brands react to PlayStation disc controversy
“Consumers will be able to download our full range of delicious pizza codes, and using the power of imagination, enjoy them in an entirely virtual sense,”