via The Verge
Sony Isn’t Phasing Out Discs as Quickly as We Thought
Sony’s final disc manufacturing plant is reportedly scaling back production by only 10 percent—far less than the 90 percent reduction previously rumored. This suggests that the company is not abandoning physical media as swiftly as many analysts and gamers had anticipated.
Despite the gaming industry’s steady push toward digital downloads and streaming—a trend that has accelerated through 2025 and into 2026—Sony appears to be maintaining a more measured approach to the phaseout of discs. The revised figure indicates that the plant will continue to operate at near-full capacity for the foreseeable future, supporting the production of PlayStation 5 game discs, Blu-ray movies, and other optical media.
This development holds particular relevance for consumers who still prefer physical copies for reasons of ownership, collectibility, and resale. In an era where digital storefronts dominate and subscription services become increasingly prevalent, Sony’s decision to keep disc production robust offers reassurance to a segment of the market that values tangible media.
Industry observers note that while the overall trajectory may still point toward a digital-first future, Sony’s incremental approach allows for a smoother transition—one that respects existing consumer preferences and maintains compatibility with the substantial installed base of disc-based hardware. For now, it appears that reports of the disc’s demise have been greatly exaggerated, and Sony is ensuring that physical media remains a viable option well into the latter half of the decade.