Friday, July 10th 2026

Death of Console Discs Pushes Gamers to PC

Jul 10th, 2026 12:27 Discuss (74 Comments)

The reception of PlayStation's recent decision to stop producing physical games media in early 2028 has been heard far and wide across the internet, with fans even going as far as to start the "Don't Kill the Disc" petition on Change.org. More recently, a survey on Push Square, a publication that largely serves PlayStation enthusiasts, found that 45% of 6,454 respondents were "seriously considering" switching to PC gaming as a result of the announcement, while 23% were firm in their decision to stick with PlayStation going forward, and 15% said they had already thought about it. Of those who responded to the survey, 41% cited Sony ending physical games as their reason for moving to PC. Although there hasn't been a massive outcry about it just yet, Xbox is apparently also planning on moving away from physical media, with rumors claiming a disc-to-digital attestation system coming to the Xbox Helix console.

Another point of contention in the next-gen console line-up is pricing, with some rumors placing the PS6 BOM cost at near $1,000. Only 14% of 5,664 respondents in the same survey said that they would buy a PS6 at launch if it cost $1,000 or more, while 29% said they would buy or build a gaming PC instead, and another 29% said they would skip the PS6 console generation altogether. Up-front hardware cost is one area where console gaming usually has an edge on PC gaming, and, while the PS5 console generation saw Sony an Xbox embrace multi-platform game launches from their in-house studios, it seems as though both companies are prepared for at least some backlash for the upcoming console generation. For its part, Xbox appears to be approaching things a little differently by more or less treating PC and Xbox gaming as a monolith, especially with the next-gen Xbox Helix console all but confirmed to be a PC-console hybrid.

Both Xbox and PlayStation have implemented new strategies that will see them pull back from cross-platform launches back to embracing exclusives. Given that even the likes of former Sony executive, Shuhei Yoshida, has pushed back against the idea that Sony's PC ports eat into its console sales, the consensus is that Sony is increasing its push for console exclusives because PC is becoming all the more competitive as a platform.

Source: Push Square

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74 Comments on Death of Console Discs Pushes Gamers to PC

Onasi

Protesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

Fouquin

OnasiProtesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

It's deeper than just physical media. Sony has already shown they will outright delete your purchases without warning. That can be avoided on PC, on top of physical media backwards compatibility being a bigger deal on PC. I can boot up a game from 1998 on my PC right now and play it just the same as I did when it came out, nobody has the power to take that away.

Also smaller studios absolutely still release physical media. Baldur's Gate 3 has a physical disc release.

Hecate91

PC gaming as a platform has plenty of sources to purchase games, often cheaper than consoles.
Playstation on the other hand doesn't with physical discs being dead, Sony wants consumers paying full price only through the Playstation store. Also Sony getting rid of physical discs is an incredibly dumb move right after deleting movies without any warning or refunds, they could easily do the same with games.

FR3D1

Ninja Cat

Fouquinand play it just the same as I did when it came out

I would argue the opposite and even give a specific example: "Colin McRae: DiRT";
here you go!

Of course, the list of games that are either completely unplayable or only playable with modifications on a newer system is longer. It gets even longer if we include certain nonsense like DRM.

Fouquinthey will outright delete your purchases without warning.

Source?

Regards,
Fred.

Fouquin

FR3D1would argue the opposite and even give a specific example: "Colin McRae: DiRT";
here you go!

Of course, the list of games that are either completely unplayable or only playable with modifications on a newer system is longer. It gets even longer if we include certain nonsense like DRM.

Playable with modifications is still more playable than not available to play in the first place or outright deleted. The list of games that work with things like DOSBox is longer than any list of games with DRM that need a few mods to make work, I promise you.

If I reach down into my disc folder right now I can play without trouble:

All of the Maxis Sim games.
All the Need For Speed games.
All of Valve's games and their mods.
All of Id Software's games.
Unreal and its variants.
Most of Southpeak's catalog.
Most of THQ's catalog.

The list goes on.

FR3D1Source?

arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/06/sony-erases-digital-content-from-libraries-were-reminded-we-dont-own-what-we-buy/

windwhirl

OnasiProtesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

Well, on PC I can rip the game files out at least. On a console it becomes a more complicated endeavor.

Also...

www.techspot.com/news/112985-video-game-history-foundation-founder-piracy-remains-only.html

Grimling

OnasiProtesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

While physical Disks on PC are not how Games are distributed today, you have at least the option to make a physical copy yourself, by getting a DRM-FREE version of your Game (for example from GoG) and then Burn it to a Disk or a Flash Memory Card, so that you can install and play your game offline without any Internet or need of any online subscription or online DRM check.
This is as close as you can be for a real "Physical" Game that you can own.
You can not do this for any of your digital PS games! You can not own a digital version of your PS5 game, because that needs an online service subscription from sony (extra cost) and has a digital verification system build into it. You can not even install or play a single player game completely offline on a PS5 (or 6).
You can on PC!

_JP_

OnasiProtesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

I read it as more of a question of having less of a walled-garden, than the "Oh noes, my unboxing experience!" (If you filter-out the drama, heavily).
That, as @Hecate91 mentioned, for each console not having a disk option, will then have you locked to either its streaming service or whatever the online store wants to charge you to license a title for an undisclosed amount of time.
It's worse when you realize that titles with any sort of 3rd party copyright will have a very limited online lifetime.
I guess we can collectively agree that this is pushing the streaming service further into the platforms and consoles become streaming boxes.

PC doesn't have disks for all the titles, but it does have multiple storefronts, places to get activation codes and...disks, which publishers can consider for a revival, I guess. Most of time times you save the binaries, too.
Hardware limitations exist on formats and software limitation is completely artificial, so like consoles, but a lot less as we know.
The thing is the cost. Building a decent computer for gaming without touching it for a handful of years is a considerable investment right now. A $1k console will still be cheaper, up-front.

Paganstomp

There are all types of games that came out long before PC and video. The advent of electrronics just made games more convenient and accessible. Video games are just a small part of a larger whole.

#10

A Computer Guy

Hecate91PC gaming as a platform has plenty of sources to purchase games, often cheaper than consoles.
Playstation on the other hand doesn't with physical discs being dead, Sony wants consumers paying full price only through the Playstation store. Also Sony getting rid of physical discs is an incredibly dumb move right after deleting movies without any warning or refunds, they could easily do the same with games.

Basically Sony can't be trusted with handling your digital purchases. I got some DLC for a game years ago and then later they yeeted it out of the store. I if I ever have to reinstall the game I loose the DLC.

I just recently recovered my PSN account after not having used it for years. Lots of DLC games won't play right now on my PS4. Waiting to see what happens when I plug it into the internet. First I am cataloging what I had installed before attempting to access the net with it.

#11

Grimling

A Computer GuyBasically Sony can't be trusted with handling your digital purchases. I got some DLC for a game years ago and then later they yeeted it of the store. I if I ever have to reinstall the game I loose the DLC.

I just recently recovered my PSN account after not having used it for years. Lots of DLC games won't play right now on my PS4. Waiting to see what happens when I plug it into the internet. First I am cataloging what I had installed before attempting to access the net with it.

You just have to buy it all again, no big deal!

#12

Darmok N Jalad

OnasiProtesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

Like others have said, you break free from the “lock-in” by going to a PC. The same title is often cheaper on PC/Steam, and gets discounts sooner. You don’t need to subscribe to yet another service just to play online. Throw in having to rebuy older games just to get improved visuals or refresh rates, and it becomes a cheaper move in the long run. Really, what it becomes is “if consoles are going digital-download-only like on PC, then why not just get a PC?” Consoles are throwing away their distinguishing characteristics, and it makes them less appealing.

#13

neatfeatguy

FouquinIt's deeper than just physical media. Sony has already shown they will outright delete your purchases without warning. That can be avoided on PC, on top of physical media backwards compatibility being a bigger deal on PC. I can boot up a game from 1998 on my PC right now and play it just the same as I did when it came out, nobody has the power to take that away.

Also smaller studios absolutely still release physical media. Baldur's Gate 3 has a physical disc release.

I would have picked up collector's edition of BG3 for PC had it actually come with a physical copy. It just comes with an installer on the disc and a key that you link to Steam, the game itself is not on the disc that comes with it. Also, I didn't want the game on Steam due to DRM limitations that Steam has going for it. I got a copy of the game off GoG instead.

#14

Onasi

Darmok N JaladLike others have said, you break free from the “lock-in” by going to a PC. The same title is often cheaper on PC/Steam, and gets discounts sooner. You don’t need to subscribe to yet another service just to play online. Throw in having to rebuy older games just to get improved visuals or refresh rates, and it becomes a cheaper move in the long run. Really, what it becomes is “if consoles are going digital-download-only like on PC, then why not just get a PC?” Consoles are throwing away their distinguishing characteristics, and it makes them less appealing.

Sure, but that side of the equation has been this way for years and years. Arguments for PC as a platform has stood pretty much the same for, what, 15 years now? I just find it funny that console players seemingly think that THIS is the red line. Not, you know, when you were paying a subscription for the right to play your game, that you bought, in multiplayer. That, apparently, was fine.

#15

A Computer Guy

GrimlingYou just have to buy it all again, no big deal!

Well it seems like everything is still there at least on the PS4. Still have to check the PS3. I must have dodged a bullet because I hadn't logged in since 2021.

#16

Athena

I say, BS to this, sure, the PS6 and the next Xbox will cost more, but, a PC will still cost way more to get something equivalent, and PC is pretty much digital only now, and I think that the ONLY digital distributor that actually allows you to 100% KEEP and PLAY your games is GOG

Steam and Epic have some titles that are DRM free, but most of them require DRM, and when Steam or Epic dies, then all those back catalogs of games that have DRM are pretty much useless

PS6 will just have some exclusive hits, and people will flock back to the PS6 like nothing ever happened

#17

TheDeeGee

We don't have discs either, but welcome.

#18

Grimling

_JP_I guess we can collectively agree that this is pushing the streaming service further into the platforms and consoles become streaming boxes.

That is basically how the industry wants it to be. Everything will be in the cloud, everything will be a superscription, you will own nothing.

#19

Darmok N Jalad

OnasiSure, but that side of the equation has been this way for years and years. Arguments for PC as a platform has stood pretty much the same for, what, 15 years now? I just find it funny that console players seemingly think that THIS is the red line. Not, you know, when you were paying a subscription for the right to play your game, that you bought, in multiplayer. That, apparently, was fine.

Sure, but today if one of the big appeals of the console was buying a physical copy, now that option is going away. Then throw in a rumored cost of $1000 or better, and it becomes a "why not?" The perceived value of a console over a PC and their actual differences are shrinking. I guess it's less of it being "the red line" and more like being "the last straw." Even then, I think it might be a bit of a dubious statistic. What will people actually do when the day arrives? If you've already got a big PS library, making a switch isn't without sacrifices. It might just mean people are going to pass on the PS6, maybe get a PC, and just keep their PS5. No doubt the next PS and Xbox will be powerful, but is it diminishing returns in terms of cost/benefit?

#20

Hecate91

A Computer GuyBasically Sony can't be trusted with handling your digital purchases. I got some DLC for a game years ago and then later they yeeted it of the store. I if I ever have to reinstall the game I loose the DLC.

I just recently recovered my PSN account after not having used it for years. Lots of DLC games won't play right now on my PS4. Waiting to see what happens when I plug it into the internet. First I am cataloging what I had installed before attempting to access the net with it.

I definitely wouldn't trust Sony with a digital only purchase, it apparently isn't anything new but Sony can also delete an account if it is left inactive for 3 years.
At times Steam takes down store listings, though once you purchase a game at least it stays with your account. I prefer PC because of more choices of buying games, even the option of no DRM with some games, and no subscription required to play online. With no discs on consoles, it can't double as a bluray player either, IMO discs were the final reason to buy a Playstation or a console in general. PC gaming is just a better platform for more purchasing choices, as well as the flexibility of having a PC you can do more than just play games.
videocardz.com/newz/sonys-36-month-inactive-playstation-account-cancellation-rule-is-not-new

#21

Kinsa83

OnasiProtesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

Agreed, however people have always been weird where they draw their lines. Not just in tech and games. Just life in general. Most people dont actually think with logic. They think with their own personal discomfort and even then most arent willing to sit with the discomfort long enough to figure out the reason(s) behind it. They just react on inpulse. Of the people surveyed Id say less than a quarter of them will actually follow through.

#22

lexluthermiester

OnasiProtesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

The difference is that on PC when you pay for a game, it generally isn't ever taken away from you. There are a few exceptions, but that is the way it works. GOG buyers? As long as you download the installer directly, the game can NEVER be taken away from you, even IF GOG were to ever shut down.

Sony, Nintendo and microsoft have all taken games away from the people who bought them with no recourse. Many people just are not willing to tolerate that.

So eff consoles that don't respect citizen rights.

#23

FierceRed

This to me is why the Gabecube was so important.

This situation was inevitable. I would argue the XBSeriesX and PS5 are already PCs just without that concept in the Overton window, but whatever.

Now that Microsoft/Sony are going back to exclusives and deciding not to sell physical disks (which is just a medium for a larger Digital Rights conversation, but alas), suddenly people are realizing that if they're going to spend $1,000 for an XBLive/PSN subscription machine that sells games filled with microtransactions... GEE WHY DONT I JUST GET A PC THAT CAN ALSO HELP WITH MY SCHOOL/CAREER INSTEAD?!?

It can be argued that Valve products had nothing to do with XB/PS shitting the bed, but with these prices and this economy, CoD kiddies needed to realize that they're approaching low end PC territory and the Gabecube is physical evidence of that.

Welcome to the Wiserhood. Welcome to the PC Mustard Race.

I can't wait for them to argue over which Linux distro is better.

#24

Dukenukemx

OnasiProtesting PS dropping physical media by going to PC, a platform that dropped physical media more than a decade ago, is… a choice, I suppose?

The difference is that PC has multiple options to buy games while Playstation has one now. GOG even lets you keep the game as long as you can back it up. Steam even allows keys bought from other sources. I still want physical games on PC, but it doesn't have to be on discs. Could be USB flash drives.

Hecate91PC gaming as a platform has plenty of sources to purchase games, often cheaper than consoles.
Playstation on the other hand doesn't with physical discs being dead, Sony wants consumers paying full price only through the Playstation store. Also Sony getting rid of physical discs is an incredibly dumb move right after deleting movies without any warning or refunds, they could easily do the same with games.

Using Sony's own game, Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart on Sony's own store is still listed as $70. The Digital Deluxe Edition is on sales for $40. Brand new on Amazon it's $40. On Ebay it's $25 used. On Steam it's normally $60 but the summer sale was going and was $24, but the sale is over. Steam and used games are already cheaper than what Sony offers from their digital store. What's worse is that Sony no longer makes their games on PC, which limits gamers choice.

As MODDED WAREFARE pointed out this move from Sony will only push for more jail breaking on the PS5. Consumers rarely fold, but instead find alternatives. If you can't own the game and resell it then people will either go PC or mod their PS5.

FR3D1I would argue the opposite and even give a specific example: "Colin McRae: DiRT";
here you go!

Of course, the list of games that are either completely unplayable or only playable with modifications on a newer system is longer. It gets even longer if we include certain nonsense like DRM.

Bad example. Colin McRae: DiRT was released in 2007, which also means it's on the PS3. You can't run this game on PS4 and PS5, but you can through RPCS3. Also, online servers were shutdown years ago, but PC gamers can use third-party LAN tunneling software like ZeroTier and Hamachi to host private matches. You can on the PS3 if you setup a VPN.

Also, this works better on Linux. Blame Microsoft for not caring about compatibility.

Source?

Regards,
Fred.

They removed 551 movies people bought. 2021 PSP/Vita/PS3 Stores had Partial Closures which Sony did walk back some after the backlash.

#25

freeagent

Orange box was the last disk set that I bought.. once it installed Steam the disks were useless lol. I was pretty choked because in those days I did not support Steam, did not want it, nothing. It was literally forced on me if I wanted to play that game lol.. now I have hundreds of games and no disk.

I can see the appeal for disks and cartridges foe legacy platforms, but not really sure if its needed these days of games that are hundreds of GB in size.

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Death of Console Discs Pushes Gamers to PC

74 Comments on Death of Console Discs Pushes Gamers to PC

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74 Comments on Death of Console Discs Pushes Gamers to PC

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