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Mexican lawmakers are officially taking Sony to court over its decision to end PlayStation’s physical discs
Two Mexican lawmakers, Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio and federal representative Iraís Reyes, have filed a formal complaint against Sony with Mexico's National Antitrust Commission over the company's plan to stop producing physical PlayStation games from 2028. The politicians argue that making Sony's digital store the only purchasing channel in Mexico would let the company unilaterally set prices and conditions, strip consumers of the ability to resell, lend or trade games, and reduce buyers to holders of revocable licences rather than genuine owners. The move follows a similar shift already seen in Europe and with digital films, and reflects broader unease about consumer rights as the games industry moves away from physical media.
The complaint comes after a "Don't Kill the Disc" petition gathered roughly 360,000 signatures last month but failed to change Sony's plans. Sony's chief financial officer, Lin Tao, told investors during an earnings call last week that the decision was driven by the wider trend towards digitalisation of content and that the company sees no negative impact on its business, since much of its content is already sold digitally. The Mexican lawmakers join other international politicians, including French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, in publicly opposing Sony's decision, though it remains unclear whether the growing pressure will prompt any change of course.
In short
- Mexican lawmakers file antitrust complaint against Sony over ending PlayStation discs
- Sony to stop physical PS games production from 2028
- Prior 360,000-signature petition failed to change Sony's decision
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The lawmakers contend that eliminating physical media grants Sony monopolistic control over PlayStation's distribution in Mexico. Without physical retailers or secondary markets, Sony can unilaterally set prices and remove ownership rights, converting consumers from owners to perpetual licensees dependent on Sony's continued service. This represents legitimate regulatory concern about corporate power in digital markets and the erosion of consumer autonomy.
The case against
Sony argues it is responding to genuine market trends where digital purchasing already predominates. Other gaming platforms—including PC, Xbox, and Nintendo—remain available, preserving broader competitive choice. The company's decision reflects actual consumer demand rather than market monopolisation; requiring maintenance of physical production contradicts business freedom.
Explained simply
PlayStation games can be bought on discs or downloaded through Sony’s online store. A disc can usually be lent, resold or traded; a digital purchase is generally tied to an account and governed by a licence, which sets out how the game may be used.
Sony makes PlayStation consoles and runs the PlayStation Store, so it controls a major route for buying games on its systems. The debate is part of a wider shift from physical media to digital services, which has also affected films and other entertainment.
The issue matters because fewer ways to buy a game could affect shoppers’ choice, prices and ability to pass games on. In Mexico, the National Antitrust Commission is the body that can examine concerns about competition; its role is distinct from the lawmakers raising them.