PlayStation

Physical special and collector's edition PlayStation releases will likely become rarer and pricier as Sony phases out discs, because physical media scarcity increases collector demand and overall costs in the next-generation market are rising. Related article "PlayStation games out before 2028 can still get disc reprints" notes that titles released before 2028 may still receive disc reprints, implying some limited continued availability for older or reprinted special editions. Answered

The end of physical media will shrink the market for used discs and physical accessories as fewer new discs are produced and collectors have less supply to buy and resell. That reduced supply and continued demand from collectors and people with poor internet could push prices up for second-hand games and accessories. (Related article: PlayStation games out before 2028 can still get disc reprints) Answered

Yes. The primary article says removing disc drives is part of a digital-first shift and notes companies use cost-cutting to offset rising component costs, implying Sony could use a disc-less design to reduce manufacturing costs. Related article "PS6 may be disc-less by default, detachable drive sold separately" (Related 1) adds that a detachable drive could be sold separately, suggesting Sony might price the base disc-less PS6 lower than a disc-capable model or recoup revenue by selling drives as add-ons. Answered

Social media backlash isn't the be-all and end-all, of course. In fact, on most occasions, it tends to be a bubble where small groups of loud fans air their grievances about things they don't like. This feels different, though, and the close to 150 million views on that PlayStation announcement prove it. That has very much broken containment. A lot of people are talking about this. Not just hardcore gamers, but casual ones, too. The backlash to PlayStation's plans has been so fierce that not only have PlayStation's social media channels been silent since it broke the bad news, but even Sony's