Sony's decision to stop PlayStation discs: consequences for the second-hand video game market
Intelligence Summary
- Find out how Sony’s 2028 move to end PlayStation disc production could affect the second-hand video game market.
In brief
- Sony will end production of physical discs for new PlayStation games in January 2028.
- The second-hand video game market was valued at $7.2 billion last year and is expected to reach $13.8 billion in 2034.
- Consoles accounted for 42.3% of revenue in the second-hand market last year.
Sony’s announcement that it will stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games in January 2028 has far-reaching implications for the gaming industry. This decision could put significant pressure on the second-hand video game market, which was worth $7.2 billion last year. Analysts note that the market is expected to grow to $13.8 billion by 2034, but the move away from physical media could slow that growth.
GAME-scanner analysis
Sony’s choice to move to fully digital distribution could dramatically reshape the second-hand market. With consoles accounting for 42.3% of revenue in the second-hand market last year, the impact of this decision should not be underestimated. Companies such as GameStop and CEX, which focus on selling pre-owned games, could face significant losses if consumers become less inclined to buy physical games. The shift to digital distribution may also change gamer buying habits, with players potentially placing less value on owning physical copies.
In addition, North America is the largest market for second-hand video games, meaning the effects of this decision will be felt worldwide. The decline of physical games could also influence the pricing of new digital games, as there will be less competition from the second-hand market.
What does this mean for players?
For gamers, this means access to second-hand games may decline as the broader move toward digital-only releases continues. The ability to resell or trade games, an important part of gaming culture, could disappear. This could also affect the prices of new digital games, since there will be less competition from the second-hand market.
Timeline
2028: End of production of PlayStation discs for new games.
2034: Expected growth of the second-hand video game market to $13.8 billion.