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wccftech
Sony Just Killed the Disc for PlayStation 6, and Microsoft's "Project Helix" Xbox Is Reportedly Following
In a significant industry shift, Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation 6 will not utilize physical discs, marking a transition to digital-only gaming set for January 2028. Microsoft is poised to follow this trend with its next-generation console, Project Helix. This decision arises in response to a steady decline in physical game sales, where digital formats now dominate the market, accounting for over 90% of gaming revenue across platforms. As physical game purchases decline, companies aim to streamline production and reduce costs, particularly as console prices approach $1,000.
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Published 1 Jul 2026, 20:20 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Sony announces PlayStation 6 will be disc-free starting January 2028.
- Microsoft's Project Helix Xbox is expected to adopt a similar digital-only model.
- Physical game sales in the UK fell by about 40% from 2019 to 2024.
- Digital revenue now constitutes over 90% of total gaming spending.
- Sony's previous models already favored digital sales and production.
Interesting facts
- PlayStation 5 Digital Edition has outsold the disc version in many markets.
- Microsoft discontinued the disc-enabled version of Xbox Series S.
- Eliminating disc drives helps manage costs for upcoming consoles.