Sony will stop producing physical discs for the PlayStation starting in 2028. But what would happen if Xbox also took this step?
We generally consider this unlikely, as Xbox has already emphasized how important physical media is for gamers. Nevertheless, this thought experiment exists among some individuals.
In fact, the end of the disc for Xbox would probably not be as dramatic as it is for Sony. This is because there are some differences in disc manufacturing between Sony and Xbox.
Sony produces exclusively, Xbox allows third parties to press discs
What does Sony do? Sony traditionally has its PlayStation discs pressed exclusively in its own plants (through the subsidiary Sony DADC) and does not grant pressing rights to any external companies.
Until 2022, there was still a plant in Terre Haute, Indiana, until DADC decided to consolidate production in its European facility in Austria. Exactly that plant is currently being restructured to finally seal the end of the disc. After that, there will be no plant capable of pressing PlayStation games. Therefore, Sony stated that the decision to cease disc production is final.
What does Xbox do differently? Unlike Sony, Microsoft does not own any disc factories. Microsoft fully outsources production. However, only to strictly vetted and licensed partner companies.
Some of the most well-known companies that are certified and press Xbox games include firms like Conectiv (formerly part of Technicolor/Vantiva) with large facilities in Mexico and the USA, as well as Sonopress in Germany.
It is important to note that games cannot simply be pressed at Xbox either. According to Microsoft, there is a comprehensive and clearly regulated Xbox certification process that must be passed before discs can be sent to the pressing plant.
Why is this difference important? When Sony says, “We will no longer produce discs,” there is no alternative plan because there is only the official plant in Thalgau, Austria. There are no external providers for PlayStation, and there have never been any.
However, if Microsoft/Xbox says, “we will no longer produce discs,” there is currently no official pressing facility that could be closed by Xbox. All discs are produced exclusively by third-party companies, which are independent entities. From this perspective, they could continue producing unless Xbox revokes their licenses. Ultimately, the legal situation is likely to be decisive here.
For Xbox to no longer have any discs, it would have to cease the official support for the disc, the license, and the associated certification body. However, reprints would be significantly easier for Xbox than for PlayStation, where the plant simply no longer exists.
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