Gamers have been up in arms this week after PlayStation announced its plans for a digital-only future. Starting in January 2028, physical discs for PlayStation games will no longer be produced. There’s no official word on whether Xbox or Nintendo will follow suit, though a canceled Xbox advertisement from last year seems to suggest Team Green views physical releases in high regard.

The advertisement, which was never broadcast, reportedly shows Xbox highlighting the pros and cons of digital versus physical game versions before asking the viewer for their preference. GTA 6 launches without a disc later this year, ditching a traditional physical and setting an example moving forward. You can still buy a box, but it only comes with a download code inside.

Xbox reportedly made a physical vs digital media advertisement

This information comes from a well-known leaker known as billbil-kun, reporting for Dealabs. While the actual footage has not been leaked, billbil-kun claims the unearthed 42-second advertisement was planned for an early 2025 release, but never saw the light of day. We’ve seen gamers and retailers alike react negatively to PlayStation’s bombshell announcement.

According to the leaker, the advert opened with a question: “Physical vs digital games. Which is best for you?” before detailing a few pros for each format. It ended by directly addressing viewers with “What will you choose?” – suggesting free choice for customers.

Physical version:

• Keep your copy of the game forever
• Limited and Collector’s Editions
• Free to lend/share with your friends and family

Digital version:

• Pre-install games ahead of launch
• Quicker switching between games
• Exclusive digital editions

Another interesting development is a report from The Verge that says Xbox is testing a “disc-to-digital” feature that allows consumers to digitalize their physical game collection. This may suggest Xbox plans to go the digital-only route for its future consoles, with the relatively mysterious Project Helix up next. All we really know about it is that it plays both Xbox and PC games.

It really looks like we’re moving towards a forced digital future for console gaming, and while Nintendo Switch cartridges still offer something tangible, some only cover part of the download. PC gamers have long been totally fine with digital-only game releases, favoring stores such as Steam to keep all their games in one place. DRM-free games do exist on Steam, too, by the way.

However, it’s important to note that there’s more competition on the PC platform – including third-party key and video game bundle sites where you can purchase games for cheaper. When PlayStation goes digital only, the fear is that it will control all pricing directly through the PlayStation Store. Alternative PC store GOG also shared its own views on digital ownership.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.