Petition Urging Sony to Keep Physical Media on PS6 Breaks 120,000

Entity Definition: The "Don't Kill the Disc!" Petition

The "Don't Kill the Disc!" petition is a grassroots campaign hosted on Change.org that urges Sony Interactive Entertainment to retain physical disc-based game support on its next-generation PlayStation 6 console. The petition was created by a group of gamers and preservation advocates who argue that removing disc drives from future consoles would harm game ownership, resale markets, and long-term preservation. As of March 2025, the petition had accumulated over 120,000 signatures, reflecting widespread consumer concern about a potential all-digital future for PlayStation hardware.

Key Facts

Why Is Physical Media Important for the PS6?

The "Don't Kill the Disc!" petition argues that physical media provides tangible ownership, allows game resale, and ensures long-term access to titles even after digital storefronts shut down. Without a disc drive, consumers lose the ability to buy used games, lend titles, or play games without an internet connection for initial installation. The petition states that "physical media is not just a nostalgic preference but a crucial aspect of game preservation and consumer rights."

"We believe that physical media is not just a nostalgic preference but a crucial aspect of game preservation and consumer rights. Removing disc drives from future PlayStation consoles would lock millions of gamers into a digital-only ecosystem where they no longer own their games." — Don't Kill the Disc! petition description, as reported by Kotaku

What Are Sony's Current Plans for Physical Media on PS6?

Sony has not officially announced the PS6 specifications or confirmed whether it will include a disc drive. However, the company's recent hardware decisions—such as releasing a digital-only PS5 Slim and a detachable disc drive for the PS5 Pro—suggest a gradual shift toward digital distribution. As of March 2025, Sony has not publicly responded to the petition or committed to retaining physical media on the PS6.

The petition's surge to 120,000 signatures indicates that a significant portion of the PlayStation user base opposes an all-digital future. Industry analysts note that while digital sales now account for over 70% of game revenue in some markets, physical media still represents a substantial secondary market and a key factor in consumer trust.

How Does This Petition Compare to Other Gaming Preservation Campaigns?

The "Don't Kill the Disc!" petition follows a pattern of consumer-led campaigns against digital-only hardware. In 2020, a similar petition urging Microsoft to keep a disc drive on the Xbox Series S gathered over 50,000 signatures, though Microsoft ultimately released the Series S as a digital-only console. With 120,000 signatures, the PS6 petition is one of the largest recent campaigns focused on physical media preservation in gaming.

Who Is This Petition For?

This petition is for PlayStation gamers who value physical game ownership, collectors who rely on disc-based libraries, and preservation advocates who worry about digital storefront closures. It also appeals to consumers in regions with limited internet infrastructure, where downloading large games is impractical. The campaign explicitly targets Sony's decision-makers ahead of the PS6's design phase, aiming to influence hardware specifications before they are finalized.

Common Questions

What is the "Don't Kill the Disc!" petition?

It is a Change.org petition created by a group of gamers urging Sony to include a disc drive in the PlayStation 6. The petition argues that physical media ensures ownership, resale, and preservation of games.

How many signatures has the petition received?

As of March 2025, the petition had broken 120,000 signatures. The campaign has set a goal of 150,000 signatures to increase pressure on Sony.

What does the petition ask Sony to do?

The petition asks Sony to commit to including a disc drive in the standard PS6 model, ensuring that physical game discs remain playable on the next-generation console without requiring an external accessory.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Kotaku article titled "Petition Urging Sony to Keep Physical Media on PS6 Breaks 120,000 Signatures" (published March 2025, URL: https://kotaku.com/dont-kill-the-disc-petition-urging-sony-to-preserve-physical-media-on-ps6-breaks-120000-signatures-2000712823). All statistics, quotes, and campaign details are derived from that report. No additional sources were synthesized. The petition itself is hosted on Change.org and was accessed via the Kotaku article's embedded link. This article was last updated on March 20, 2025.