Insider says PlayStation must print physical games on disc or PS6 launch will fail

Sony is under pressure to reverse a decision to dramatically reduce PS5 disc production. Some analysts expect the company to survive the protests, but an insider explains how PlayStation could backtrack. Moore’s Law Is Dead argues that if the PS6 doesn’t accommodate physical games on its release date, the console will flop.

Did Sony underestimate the outrage?

On social media, PlayStation can’t market products without facing an avalanche of negativity. Fans have also been canceling their PS Plus subscriptions, which is vital to Sony’s revenue projections. Moore’s Law Is Dead thinks executives have taken notice and are concerned about lost sales.

The PS6 release date could come as soon as 2027, and the next-generation system is critical to the company's continued dominance. However, the YouTuber is skeptical about launching a console that only embraces digital games. If the brand has alienated its loyalists, it will struggle to entice enough buyers to purchase pricey hardware.

Encouraging consumers to rely more on the PS Store can improve the gaming giant’s bottom line. Still, in his latest podcast, MLID outlines how it can satisfy physical game collectors and protect profits. He notes that the manufacturer won’t completely stop printing PS5 discs in early 2028.

Physical games, but at a premium

Even at lower capacities, factories can produce Blu-rays for new PS5 and PS6 games. The insider suggests promoting collector’s editions, citing the popularity of limited-run vinyl for music. With buyers paying a premium, the higher sale prices would cover printing and shipping expenses.

It may be a long shot that the next PlayStation console will include an optical drive. That said, MLID says it wouldn’t be costly for Sony to offer a USB accessory to load discs. A backward-compatible PS6 could easily boot older and newer physical alternatives to digital games.

Other analysts aren’t as optimistic about Sony placating critics. Industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto told IGN that it likely anticipated the backlash. Eventually, the furor may diminish, and regardless, it’s prepared to sacrifice some customers to transition to a lucrative all-digital future.