Sony's plan to phase out PlayStation discs by 2028 marks the latest step in gaming's broader shift towards all-digital consoles, following moves such as the PS5 Pro's optional disc drive, the disc-free Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch 2 "game-key cards" that hold no actual game data. The trend, already the norm on PC, matters because it reshapes how players buy, store and share games, while narrowing the remaining options for those who prefer physical media.

Going digital offers real conveniences: no swapping discs or cartridges, no shelf space taken up or risk of damaged media, instant purchases without shipping delays, and "gameshare" features letting friends or family access each other's libraries via linked accounts. However, the article warns of significant downsides, including the loss of secondhand sales, lending and rental services (such as GameFly), reduced pricing flexibility since only official storefronts set digital prices, larger storage demands on Switch consoles, slower access for those with poor internet, and notoriously strict refund policies such as PlayStation's, which only refunds games that haven't begun downloading.