Sony to End PlayStation Disc Production in Jan 2028

Sony's plan to end production of physical PlayStation game discs in January 2028 threatens to dismantle the multibillion-dollar secondhand video game market, according to industry analysts. The decision, announced earlier this month, is expected to accelerate the decline of brick-and-mortar game retail and reduce consumer choice.

Market research firm Dataintelo estimated the global secondhand game market, which includes pre-owned games, consoles, and accessories, was valued at $7.2 billion in 2025. Prior to Sony's announcement, the firm had projected the market could grow to $13.8 billion by 2034, driven by affordability concerns, interest in retro gaming, and a transition from digital back to physical media. Analysts now say that growth trajectory is in jeopardy.

The secondary market is a significant part of the gaming economy. In 2025, more than 38 percent of all video game transactions in the United States involved a used title. Console games accounted for 42.3 percent of the secondhand market's revenue, with North America being the largest regional market.

Michael Pachter, managing director of strategic planning at Wedbush Securities, stated that historically at least...