Sony’s announced plan to end PlayStation physical discs by 2028 has hit a wall after NIS America president Kenzo Saruhashi said the tale might change.
Saruhashi’s warning at PAX West
Speaking to Kotaku during PAX West, Saruhashi revealed that Sony is listening to consumer feedback and that its final decision could shift. “We’re hearing a lot from customers,” he said. He added that Sony has not ruled out altering its approach and that new options could go beyond simply adding a code in the box.
Physical releases still matter for NIS America
With tactical JRPGs like Disgaea driving its sales, NIS America’s model relies on limited‐edition paperbacks and collector’s packages. Saruhashi stressed that the company intends to keep producing those high‑quality physical editions, regardless of Sony’s broader strategy.
Industry reactions to Sony’s move
A leaker, Moore’s Law Is Dead, reported that Sony surveyed developers on disc cancellation and asked for feedback. The company faced backlash, culminating in the PlayStation Blackout boycott. Sony’s CFO previously reaffirmed the move, describing it as a cautious step forward after the outcry. PS5 bundles now feature a warning that physical disc support will end in 2028.
Given Saruhashi’s comment, some developers and retailers speculate that Sony may rethink the all‑digital push, though no official reversal has been announced yet.
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