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Many questions linger about the PS6, particularly when it will finally debut. While it seems it may not arrive for another few years, possibly longer, it’s intriguing to consider what features a next-gen PlayStation might have. A key question is whether it will come with a disc drive for physical game discs or if Sony will go entirely digital.
Ex-PlayStation executive Shawn Layden addressed this topic in a recent interview with Kiwi Talkz, though that clip has only now gained online attention. When asked if the PS6 might be completely disc-less, Layden expressed skepticism. He noted that Sony “can probably get away with it now,” referencing the shrinking market for physical game copies but emphasizing that it might not be feasible worldwide.
“Actually, I don’t believe Sony can get away with a fully digital console at this point,” Layden argues. “PlayStation’s global dominance makes this a tough business move. Xbox has had more success pursuing a digital-only strategy, but mainly in a handful of countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK.”
He explains that PlayStation is the leading platform in roughly 170 countries worldwide, and going disc-less could alienate significant parts of its market. Rural areas without reliable high-speed internet, travelers with their PS5s staying in hotels, and military bases with limited online access all could be impacted by a totally digital approach.
Layden stresses the importance of considering which segments of the market might be harmed by a shift to digital-only, implying that Sony is carefully researching these issues. There may come a tipping point where they feel confident enough to eliminate disc support, but given the size and diversity of Sony’s global customer base, he believes a completely disc-less console by the next generation would be difficult to implement.
What do you think? Would you feel let down if the PS6 couldn’t play physical discs? Share your thoughts below.
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