Shuhei Yoshida, the former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, says he prefers an all-digital game library because discs are inconvenient and physical releases increasingly depend on downloads. His comments came as reports said Sony plans to stop producing PlayStation game discs in 2028. That target is reported, not a confirmed final shutdown date, and it does not mean every boxed edition will disappear.
What Shuhei Yoshida actually said
At the Busan Indie Connect Festival, Yoshida described himself as a completely digital consumer: “I don’t want to manage discs or swap discs. I want all my games on my dashboard, and I just select a game and play it.” His argument is primarily about convenience and the changing nature of game releases, rather than a published accounting study proving that every physical game loses money.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5 | $44.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2 – PS5 Standard Edition | $44.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
God of War Ragnarök - PlayStation 5 | $37.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Ghost of Yōtei PS5 | $53.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
EA SPORTS College Football 27 - Standard Edition PS5 |Disc I VideoGame | $49.94 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Coverage of the interview says Yoshida also pointed to patches, downloadable content and other post-launch data. A disc may contain the initial build, but the version players use can require a large download before it is fully updated or playable. In that sense, a physical copy is not always a complete, self-contained product at the moment of purchase.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIs Sony really ending PlayStation game discs?
Reports from August 18–19, 2026 said Sony was planning to stop producing PlayStation game discs from 2028. The reporting describes a company target, not a guarantee that all discs will vanish on a single day. Existing discs should remain usable under their normal compatibility and server conditions, while production, regional availability and individual publishers’ decisions could change at different times.
#1 Best Overall
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
Sony chief financial officer Lin Tao was reported as saying the move would not create a negative business impact. The available coverage does not provide an audited cost breakdown, a physical-versus-digital market-share figure or a universal per-copy loss. “No economic sense” should therefore be read as an industry position in an ongoing business debate, not as a quantified finding that applies to every title.
What changes for players
| Question | Physical release | Digital purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Daily convenience | Requires inserting and sometimes swapping a disc; boxes need storage. | Games appear in the account library and launch from the dashboard. |
| Completeness at purchase | May still require patches, updates or downloadable content. | Usually downloads the current package, but still depends on storage and internet access. |
| Resale and lending | A disc can generally be lent or resold, subject to regional and account restrictions. | Normally tied to an account or license and cannot be transferred like a disc. |
| Preservation | Provides a tangible copy, although activation, patches and servers can limit offline use. | Depends on the storefront, account access and download availability. |
| Collecting | Box art, manuals and other physical memorabilia can have collector value. | No physical packaging; collector value comes from digital ownership or separate merchandise. |
Do PS5 discs still need downloads?
Often, yes. A disc can install the launch build while the developer continues fixing bugs, adding accessibility options, balancing gameplay or releasing additional content. The size and necessity of the download varies by game. Some titles are substantially playable from the disc; others rely heavily on updates, online services or a code for content that is not stored on the disc.
Rank #2
- Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, return for an exciting new adventure in the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Swing, jump, and utilize the new Web Wings to travel across Marvel’s New York, quickly switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to experience different stories and epic new powers, as the iconic villain Venom threatens to destroy their lives, their city, and the ones they love.
- An evolution of the Spider-Man story: The incredible power of the symbiote forces Peter and Miles to face the ultimate test of strength, both inside and outside the mask, as they balance their lives, friendships, and their duty to protect those in need.
- Experience two playable Spider-Men: Quickly swap between both Spider-Men as you explore an expanded Marvel’s New York. Experience Peter’s new symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric venom powers, and discover upgradeable, high-tech equipment that enhances the combat experience for extensive gameplay depth and variety.
- Battle iconic Marvel Super Villains: Fight against a variety of new and iconic villains, including an original take on the monstrous Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and many more!
Before buying a boxed copy for offline use, check whether the publisher lists an internet requirement and whether the disc contains the language, campaign or version you expect. A disc is an advantage for access only when the required software is actually present and any activation service remains available.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What happens to resale, lending and ownership?
Physical games function like transferable objects: owners can usually lend a disc to a friend or sell it through the second-hand market. Digital games are generally licenses granted to an account. That makes a digital library convenient, but it also means access depends on the account, the platform’s terms and the continued operation of the relevant storefront.
Rank #3
- Feel your journey through the Norse realms, made possible by immersive haptic feedback and adaptive trigger functionality.
- Take advantage of multidirectional 3D Audio; hear enemies approaching from any direction. (3D audio with stereo headphones (analog or USB))
- Bask in the beautiful worlds you travel through, brought to life by precise art direction and arresting attention to detail.
- Switch between full 4K resolution at a targeted 30 frames per second, or dynamic resolution upscaled to 4K at a targeted 60fps. (4K resolution requires a compatible 4K TV or display)
Digital purchases can remain available for years, but they do not provide the same independent transfer option as a disc. Players who value lending, resale or a shelf of owned games should treat those as benefits of buying physical while that option remains available.
Will collector editions survive?
Yoshida reportedly acknowledged collectors with walls of physical game packages and expected collector editions to continue. The likely distinction is between packaging as a collectible and the disc as the game itself. Future boxed editions could include steelbooks, artwork, books, statues or other memorabilia alongside a download code instead of a playable disc.
Rank #4
- Stunning graphics and gameplay, explore the wild and striking lands around Mount Yotei on foot or horseback. Travel picturesque parts of northern Japan through grasslands, snowy ridges, fields of wildflowers, and more.
- Discover renegade combat, engage in lawless katana combat and battles with adversaires. Train with various sensei as you find and learn to use each new weapon.
- An unconventional story and journey, take in the cultural beauty of Japan, bathe in an onsen, visit shrines to pray, try Sumi-e painting, and so much more.
- Choose your weapon, battle Atsu's opponents as you see fit, with levelled-up dual katanas, odachi, kusarigama and other new weapons.
That format preserves the display and gift value of a special edition, but it does not preserve the resale, lending or offline-access characteristics of a disc. Buyers should read the contents list carefully: “physical edition” may describe the box, not the software media.
Are physical games better for preservation?
They can be, but a disc is not a complete preservation guarantee. It may keep an installable build available after a storefront changes, yet online activation, mandatory patches, license checks and discontinued servers can prevent a fully offline experience. Digital distribution has the opposite weakness: access is more directly tied to the account and storefront.
Best Value
- Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS College Football 27 game.
- DYNASTY BLUEPRINT – Control your program’s future with recruiting, NIL, staff, facilities, and Athletic Director Expectations..
- ROAD TO GLORY – Build your player, explore new positions, earn NIL deals, chase the Heisman, and raise your Legacy Score.
- MASCOT MASHUP – Play as your favorite mascot, collect 120+ icons, and compete in wild 11-on-11 matchups full of school spirit.
Preservation-minded buyers should record the exact edition, keep the disc and packaging in good condition, and learn whether the game runs without an internet connection. Neither format alone guarantees permanent access to every feature.
What the 2028 report means right now
- Do not treat 2028 as an immediate cutoff. It is the date reported for ending production, not a statement that currently owned discs stop working.
- Buy physical when transferability matters. A disc is the stronger choice for lending, resale and collecting.
- Choose digital for friction-free access. A dashboard library avoids swapping and storing discs, Yoshida’s central point.
- Check download and server requirements. The label “disc” does not prove that the complete game is offline-ready.
- Verify collector contents. A future boxed edition may contain a code rather than game media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made the comments about physical games making no economic sense?
Shuhei Yoshida, the former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, made the comments in an interview at the Busan Indie Connect Festival.
Can I resell or lend a digital PlayStation game?
Digital purchases are generally tied to an account or license, so they do not offer the same straightforward lending and resale option as a physical disc.
Will collector editions still be available without discs?
They may continue as boxed collectibles containing items such as artwork or a steelbook plus a download code instead of a game disc.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
