Sony’s recent announcement that PlayStation will phase out disc-based physical games by January 2028 has reignited discussion about the future of physical media in gaming. However, industry analysts believe the decision is unlikely to influence Nintendo’s strategy for the Switch 2 generation or beyond.
According to Circana senior director and video game analyst Mat Piscatella, speaking to VGC, the industry has been gradually moving away from physical formats for years due to shifting consumer behavior and digital adoption. He noted that declining physical sales have been ongoing since the late 2000s, with only temporary stabilization driven by strong Nintendo hardware performance.
Nintendo’s Strategy Expected to Remain Independent
Despite broader industry changes, Piscatella argues that Nintendo is unlikely to follow Sony’s digital-only approach. In his assessment, Nintendo traditionally operates independently of competitor trends.
“My gut says Nintendo does what Nintendo wants to do,”
Piscatella explained in the interview with VGC.
“I don’t see them changing anything based on what Sony or Microsoft do.”
He added that retail support for Nintendo remains strong, particularly following the launch of the Switch 2, which continues to drive significant physical software and hardware sales. This sustained retail presence suggests that cartridges will likely remain part of Nintendo’s ecosystem throughout the current generation.
While Sony’s move marks a significant milestone, Piscatella emphasized that the broader transition away from physical media is already well underway. He described the current situation as more of a
“psychological shift than a true market shift,”
pointing out that digital distribution has already become the dominant model across most platforms.
However, he also acknowledged that physical media will not disappear entirely in the short term. Retailers are expected to adapt by focusing on alternative physical offerings such as code-in-box editions, collectible bundles, and special releases designed to maintain shelf presence.
As reported by VGC, this evolving retail terrain will likely continue to see Nintendo as the strongest supporter of traditional boxed software, at least through the Switch 2 lifecycle.
The Future of Physical Gaming Remains Uncertain
Piscatella warned that while industry trends are clear, the pace of change can still produce surprises. He noted that ongoing shifts in consumer preference, publisher strategies, and hardware design could accelerate or slow the transition toward digital-only ecosystems.
Still, he acknowledged that Sony’s decision represents a major turning point.
“It does feel like the end of an era,”
he said, highlighting that while physical games are not disappearing immediately, their long-term role in the industry is steadily shrinking.
