Sony promoting vinyl player enrages critics opposing end of physical PS5 game discs

Until now now, Sony Electronics had escaped the protests over PlayStation abandoning PS5 discs. However, a new social media post advertising a vinyl player caught the attention of critics. They believe that the company is hypocritical for promoting this alternative form of physical media.

Vinyl vs game discs

The PS-LX3BT turntable has modern perks like Bluetooth connectivity, but targets vinyl record collectors. Gamers immediately seized on the post, questioning why the manufacturer still caters to this audience. Does it play? argues that they represent a “small niche”, while physical games remain more mainstream.

The most liked replies call the promotion “ironic” and “tone deaf.” There are valid parallels between how the music and gaming industries have evolved. Streaming services like Spotify and digital music now dominate at the expense of CDs. Even so, despite the popularity of the PS Store, Sony earns significantly higher revenue from PS5 disc sales than from turntables.

On the other hand, unlike with game discs, vinyl has become more sought after over the past decade. Some music listeners prefer the tangible quality of records and the accompanying artwork. It’s also possible to sell or trade the items later on. As a result, many modern artists continue to release new albums and special editions in this format.

In its PlayStation blog announcement, the company explained that buyers gravitate toward digital games by a wide margin. Yet, even after it repurposes Blu-ray factories, the demand for an alternative is unlikely to vanish. Protesters say that it would be a mistake to ignore this sizable, albeit declining market.

A compromise for collectors?

Insiders like Moore’s Law Is Dead believe that Sony could still change its mind. Physical game production won’t end for older releases in early 2028, leaving the door open for collector’s editions of PS5 and PS6 titles.

It’s worth noting that the Sony Electronics division responsible for TVs and audio equipment is separate from PlayStation. The social media campaigns for these products are also likely run by a different team. Regardless, amid the current uproar, it may have been advisable to coordinate marketing efforts.