Former PlayStation CEO Predicts PS6 Will Retain Disc Drive

Shawn Layden highlights Sony's global market challenges with an all-digital console as speculation about the PS6 grows.

Shawn Layden, former PlayStation CEO, believes Sony cannot release a fully digital PS6 due to its broad global market presence in 170 countries.
Layden emphasized that many regions lack reliable internet infrastructure, making physical game discs essential for accessibility.
Sony's PS5 Pro, which launched without a built-in disc drive, faced criticism, fueling concerns about future consoles abandoning physical media.
Reports suggest the PS6 is in early development, with a potential release timeline speculated for late 2027, though no official announcement has been made.
Physical game sales still account for about 30% of PlayStation's revenue, underscoring the continued importance of disc-based gaming for Sony.