The PlayStation disc era is drawing to a close, with ramifications for retailers and gamers alike. Independent retailer Pink Gorilla Games' Cody Spencer laments the loss of physical media's tangible appeal: 'It’s sad to see. This decision is only a negative for gamers.'

Groups like preservationists and boutique publishers are also concerned. The Video Game History Foundation's Frank Cifaldi voices his disapproval, stating that this move is 'a significant hit to consumer rights, the resale market, and game creators whose businesses rely on the physical market.' Meanwhile, iam8bit pledges to continue preserving games despite the shift.

The transition isn't entirely unforeseen. The PS5's lack of a disc drive and its Pro version requiring one illustrate Sony's gradual move towards digital-only. Even so, immediate changes are unlikely; Spencer expects prices for pre-2028 titles to rise but maintains that physical games won't disappear.

Long-term, the novelty of physical media might wane as people adapt to digital purchases. Spencer envisions a future where his store resembles a record shop, catering primarily to passionate gamers rather than casual buyers. The challenges of digital preservation are here to stay, and museums like The Strong National Museum of Play are already preparing for this shift.