Fans couldn't do it, but Xbox might: Sony reportedly rethinks disc phase-out

As most people are probably aware, Sony has announced plans to stop producing physical games starting in early 2028. Despite considerable backlash from the community, including large-scale boycott threats, the company has not changed its mind. What fans could not achieve, however, Xbox might. While there is no talk of a complete reversal just yet, a new rumor claims that Sony is considering delaying its planned 2028 disc phase-out by one or two years. The information is said to have circulated during Gamescom 2026.

Microsoft is reportedly the reason behind these possible considerations. Rumors surrounding the upcoming Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, suggest that Microsoft intends to continue supporting physical games. That would at least align with Microsoft's recently announced disc-to-digital feature, which allows eligible disc-based games to be converted into digital licenses. This could create a strategic problem for Sony. If the PS6 relies exclusively on digital games while Microsoft continues to offer an option for physical media, Xbox could gain an advantage over PlayStation.

Fans aren't getting their hopes up

For now, PlayStation fans should not get their hopes up too much about a reversal. Sony itself has yet to announce any changes to its plans. What's more, industry veteran Richard Browne, who previously worked for companies including Psygnosis and Sony, disputes the current speculation. According to him, there were no discussions at Gamescom about a change in Sony's strategy. Publishers are still working on the assumption that the disc phase-out will go ahead as planned in 2028. He also believes that Microsoft will embrace a disc-free future with its next console. The rumor is also being discussed on Reddit, where many users are unsurprisingly skeptical. While some hope that Sony will indeed backtrack following the criticism of its disc phase-out, the community as a whole does not appear to find the report particularly credible so far.