Shawn Layden: Sony Can't Sell PS6 Without Discs

Former PlayStation CEO Shawn Layden has expressed skepticism about Sony's ability to launch a disc-less PlayStation 6. While Xbox has found success with digital-only consoles, Layden believes PlayStation's extensive global market necessitates a continued presence of physical media. He emphasizes the importance of catering to a diverse user base, including those in areas with poor internet connectivity. Layden also mentions that even Sony's digital consoles allow for disc drive upgrades, highlighting their caution in moving towards a fully digital future. As physical game sales decline and major publishers face criticism for shipping unplayable games without an internet connection, the debate over the future of disc-based gaming intensifies.

No, Layden believes it's unlikely that Sony will launch a completely disc-less PlayStation 6 due to its vast global market and the need to accommodate users reliant on physical media.

The PlayStation brand has a long and storied history, with the original console debuting in 1994 and evolving through numerous generations, including the immensely popular PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. As market dynamics shift and digital consumption grows, the future of the PlayStation 6 remains a hot topic among gamers and industry analysts alike, especially in the wake of increasing digital sales and the rise of services like PlayStation Plus and Game Pass.