Shawn Layden believes Sony would face major backlash if it launched the PS6 without a disc drive. He argues physical games still serve real consumer needs—from resale and ownership to access in regions with poor broadband—and that removing discs could alienate a big portion of the market.

  • Resale and consumer rights: Layden highlights the importance of the used-games ecosystem and the sense of ownership that comes with physical copies, which digital-only models can undermine.
  • Collectors and hardware buyers: Special editions, retail bundles and collectors’ appeal remain strong; disc-based systems support a segment of customers who value tangible products.
  • Global connectivity gaps: Not all regions have fast or affordable internet, so discs remain a practical way to buy and play large games without lengthy downloads or data caps.
  • Retail and industry pushback: Brick-and-mortar retailers and the secondary market could resist a fully digital shift, creating commercial and distribution challenges for Sony.
  • Preservation and backward compatibility: Physical media helps preserve gaming history and supports backwards compatibility in ways that a purely digital future makes more complicated.

Source: Push Square

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