PlayStation has officially announced that it is ending all physical disc production in January 2028, meaning that all future games released afterwards on PlayStation consoles will release exclusively in digital format. In addition, services for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita storefronts will end by 2027.
In a statement, PlayStation elaborated on the choice, stating that “This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.” As such, while games like Marvel’s Wolverine will release in physical formats, undated games like God of War: Laufey and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophecy, may not get the same treatment.
PlayStation also clarified when exactly the PlayStation 3 and Vita stores will close, with dates varying based on the region:
- Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua – PlayStation Store on PS3 will close starting August 2026.
- Additional Latin American and Middle Eastern countries – PlayStation Store on PS3 will close starting late 2026.
- In all other countries, PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita will close in July 2027.
The news about the end of physical disc production on PlayStation comes in the wake of Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders finally go live. The game will launch with a download code in a box, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, will not get a physical release at all even months later. The standard edition of the game will cost $80, while the Ultimate Edition is $100. The game is also described “single-player experience” which seems to imply that the newest iteration of GTA Online won’t be available at launch.
