Analysts Warn Sony's Plan to End PlayStation Discs Could Wipe Out $7.2 Billion Second-Hand Game Market

Sony's decision to stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games starting in 2028 threatens to destroy the thriving second-hand market, according to analysts. The global second-hand video game market was valued at $7.2 billion last year and is projected to reach $13.8 billion by 2034, with consoles accounting for 42.3% of revenue. However, Sony's move to go all-digital for new releases could spell doom for this market. Analysts like Kazunori Ito of Morningstar and Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities predict that the second-hand market will shrink and eventually disappear, with brick-and-mortar game retail facing extinction. Sony argues it's following consumer trends, as digital sales now dominate, with almost 80% of full game purchases being digital in 2025. Yet, critics, including the UK's Digital Entertainment and Retail Association, argue that discs offer true ownership and choice, especially for younger gamers. Despite online petitions and backlash, analysts believe Sony won't reverse course, as digital sales are far more profitable. For first-party games, Sony keeps 100% of digital revenue versus 65% from physical copies. With over 120 million active PlayStation users, even a mass protest would be insignificant. The EU has also stated it cannot intervene. As one analyst put it, if physical media fans had bought more discs, Sony might not have made this decision.