Sony says it will stop making physical discs for PlayStation games as more and more people buy and download online. But the move brings a definitive end to swaps with friends, selling old games and buying second hand.

Sony announced on Wednesday that it would only release PlayStation games in digital formats, no longer producing any physical discs, from January 2028. 

Sid Shuman, a senior director at Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications, called the move a "response to shifting trends in consumer preference." 

The change will save production and distribution costs but will also limit options for consumers, particularly those keen to swap games or buy or sell on the second hand market.

The decision follows soon after news of a release date for the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI, and the announcement that this game would only be available as a digital purchase. 

What are the benefits and drawbacks of digital games? 

Eliminating disc production should reduce costs in the game production process. It will remove the costs of making and distributing the discs, as well as other associated expenses like producing and printing instruction booklets in physical form. However, these expenses pale in comparison to game development outlays. 

There are several reasons why consumers are gravitating towards online purchases and downloads, not least the convenience of ordering from the couch, controller in hand.

Also, a physical disc can be damaged or lost, dangers that do not exist with an online license to download. 

However, discontinuing discs is liable to upset some players, possibly younger ones with less disposable income above all.

Removing the physical games from the market seems liable to mean it will no longer be possible to buy a game second hand, or sell a game you no longer play, or swap or borrow friends' games.