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RIP, Physical Media (Wait, Again?!) | CNET Archive

16 JUL 2026 · 05:00 ET·7:56·7.01K VIEWS·0.0× USUAL PACE

Sony has announced plans to cease manufacturing physical discs for its PlayStation consoles by 2028, a move that has generated significant consumer backlash. This decision prompts a look back at similar transitions in media consumption, recalling Netflix's shift from physical media to streaming, the growth of online gaming, and the PS3's role as the last Sony console with backward compatibility.

WHY IT MATTERS

The transition away from physical media in gaming raises questions about digital ownership and the long-term accessibility of purchased content for consumers.

SONY PLAYSTATION PHYSICAL MEDIA DIGITAL OWNERSHIP NETFLIX CLOUD GAMING

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