Sony shifts away from physical media

Sony is moving away from releasing new PlayStation games on physical discs, starting in January 2028, and has also begun removing purchased digital films from its platform due to expired licensing agreements. This change affects users in the United Kingdom, where 551 StudioCanal films will no longer be accessible after September 1, 2026.

Discontinuation of 4K Blu-ray player

Sony has stopped shipping its latest 4K Blu-ray player in Japan, signaling a broader move away from physical media. This decision comes as spending on traditional DVDs and Blu-rays continues to decline, although 4K Blu-ray remains a niche exception.

Rising demand for 4K Blu-ray

Despite the overall decline in physical media, spending on 4K Blu-ray increased by 12% in the United States in 2025, according to the Digital Entertainment Group. This growth is driven by cinephiles who value high-quality audiovisual experiences, collector editions, and the tangible ownership of films.

Sony's dual role in media formats

While Sony’s PlayStation division is moving toward digital distribution, the company still has strong ties to physical media through its ownership of Sony Pictures and its role in developing the Blu-ray format. Sony also holds key patents related to Blu-ray and is responsible for distributing Disney films on physical media in North America since 2024.

PS5 as the last 4K Blu-ray reader

In Japan, the PS5 equipped with an optical drive is now the only Sony device still being sold that can read 4K Blu-ray discs, highlighting the company’s ongoing support for the format despite its broader shift toward digital content.