Sony has announced it will continue supporting physical PlayStation games after January 2028. However, according to a report from Game File, the company’s definition of “support” is quite narrow.
The first class of support involves reorders for games previously released before January 2028. The second class, which is less clear, could involve non-disc physical inventories like boxed versions or physical gift cards.
Sony isn’t stopping production of discs in January 2028 but rather the creation of new disc-based retail SKUs. Physical PS5 copies are initially created using a digital master image approved by licensed replicators for pressing retail discs. Sony demands publishers use SIE-approved manufacturers, allowing the company to charge licensing fees on all physical copies and regulate packaging, quality control, and anti-piracy measures.
Public outrage over this decision may not significantly impact Sony’s schedule but could affect how “non-disc physical inventory” is presented in stores.