NIS America Chief Comments on PS5 Physical Media Future
NIS America boss Kenzo Saruhashi has discussed Sony's plan to stop manufacturing physical PlayStation media in 2028. He said NIS America intends to keep producing collector's editions and believes Sony is listening to customer feedback, though he admitted packaged download codes could become a possible outcome. The article notes NIS America relies on collector's editions and recently moved away from Game Key Cards on Switch 2.
NIS America head Kenzo Saruhashi discussed Sony's plan to stop making physical PlayStation media in 2028 during a PAX West interview. He said the company still intends to produce physical editions and collector's sets, which are key to its business and sold through its own store. NIS America recently dropped Game Key Cards for Switch 2 after customers sought true physical releases.
Saruhashi said packaged download codes could be one result, but Sony seems to be listening to customer feedback and talks may change. The piece contrasts NIS America with larger publishers SEGA and Capcom, reportedly less worried. Sony's cutoff is January 2028; retailers may receive a solution, possibly codes in boxes.
If Sony proceeds, collectors and niche publishers like NIS America may face fewer traditional disc options, potentially pushing them toward download-code boxes. This could affect game preservation, resale, and retail displays, while players who value ownership may need to adapt. Larger publishers may be less impacted. Sony's final approach could also influence how other platform holders treat physical media, though customer feedback and partner surveys may still shape the outcome.