Sony is facing growing criticism from PlayStation 5 owners over its decision to stop producing physical game discs from January 2028. The controversial move has raised concerns about game ownership, rising prices and the future of console gaming.
A survey conducted by gaming publication Push Square found that 45% of more than 6,500 respondents were seriously considering switching from PlayStation to PC gaming. Another 15% said they had already made the transition.
The findings suggest frustration among dedicated PlayStation enthusiasts. However, the voluntary online survey does not represent all PS5 owners, and it does not mean that 60% of players will permanently abandon gaming.
Sony’s decision to end physical releases of new games has become a major concern. Many customers prefer discs because they can resell, lend and collect their purchases. Digital games, meanwhile, remain tied to online accounts and licensing conditions.
Rising console prices have added to the dissatisfaction. The standard PS5 with a disc drive now costs approximately $649.99 in the United States, while the PS5 Pro is priced at $899.99.
Some players are also concerned that Sony’s next-generation console could become even more expensive.
Despite the criticism, Sony’s latest financial results show continued growth. The PlayStation ecosystem recorded 127 million monthly active users during the quarter ending September 2026. Total gameplay hours also increased by 4% compared with the previous year.
These figures indicate that online criticism has not yet translated into a widespread decline in PlayStation activity.
Nevertheless, the debate raises an important question: Can Sony maintain customer loyalty while moving toward an increasingly digital gaming future?
