Sony's Decision to Kill PlayStation Discs Puts Second-Hand Market Under Threat, Analysts Say - IGN

What the report says

IGN reports that Sony Interactive Entertainment’s plan to stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games beginning in January 2028 is raising concern among analysts and retailers over the future of used game sales. Sony has said new releases after that point will be sold through the PlayStation Store and retail channels in digital form only, while previously released disc games and titles already planned for disc release before the cutoff are not affected.

The concern centers on a still-significant resale market. Citing CNBC and Dataintelo estimates, IGN notes the global second-hand video game market was valued at $7.2 billion last year and is projected to expand to $13.8 billion by 2034. Consoles accounted for 42.3% of that revenue, with North America the largest regional share. Analysts quoted in the report said the move could sharply reduce, or ultimately eliminate, the used market for newer PlayStation titles, affecting businesses such as GameStop and CEX as well as players who trade in or buy pre-owned games.

Sony’s stated rationale is that consumer behavior has moved strongly toward digital purchasing. IGN cites Circana data indicating only a small number of PlayStation titles have recently reached major physical sales thresholds in the U.S., and Ampere analysis showing digital’s share of full-game purchases on Sony consoles rising from 13% in 2013 to nearly 80% in 2025.

The decision has prompted criticism from players and trade groups over ownership, preservation, collecting and consumer choice. IGN reports analysts generally doubt Sony will reverse course, arguing digital distribution offers higher margins and aligns with where most PlayStation sales now occur.