Numbers against Sony: physical game editions are still needed by the audience

Nearly a third of console games purchased are still chosen on disc, even as Sony prepares to phase out their production in the near future.

Despite the dominance of digital sales, 30.4% of console games purchased by players still account for physical copies, calling into question the audience’s readiness to completely abandon discs.

According to a study by Newzoo analysts, traditional boxed editions of games retain a notable market share. The survey revealed that nearly a third of games owned by console owners were purchased on physical media.

The study was conducted in August 2026 among 6,166 gamers from the US, the UK, Germany, Poland, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. The sample included people aged 18 to 55 who regularly play on PC or current-generation consoles and have purchased at least one major game or subscribed to one in the past year.

When accounting for all launched games, the share of physical editions shrinks to 11%. This is explained by the popularity of free-to-play titles and subscription services.

Players cite the ability to launch games without a stable internet connection as the main reason for purchasing discs. Owning a physical copy and saving storage space are also important to them. The ability to resell, trade, or lend a game came in only fourth.

The findings come amid Sony’s plans to halt disc production for new PlayStation games starting in January 2028.