Sony Won't Reverse PS5 Disc Decision as Factory Shifts to Microlenses

Sony's disc factory in Austria will reduce PlayStation disc output by 90% from 2028 as it retools for optical microlens production, signaling no U-turn on physical media phase-out.

Brit Brief 03/07/2026 10:58

Sony Won't Reverse PS5 Disc Decision as Factory Shifts to Microlenses — Sony Won't Reverse PS5 Disc Decision, Factory Shifts Focus

Sony's announcement that it will stop releasing physical games from 2028 has sparked significant backlash, but the company appears unlikely to reverse course. Its primary disc factory in Thalgau, Austria, is already preparing to shift production to optical microlenses, a new technology for automotive and other applications.

Factory Retooling Underway

The Thalgau plant, run by Sony DADC (Digital Audio Disc Corporation), currently produces 600,000 discs daily, half of which are for PlayStation. However, from 2028, disc output is expected to drop to about 10% of that volume, according to Dietmar Tanzer, CEO of Sony DADC. The plant's 300 employees were informed of a restructuring on July 1, but no layoffs are planned. Sony has invested €30 million (£25 million) in equipment to manufacture optical microlenses, with mass production slated to begin as early as next year. Employees have already been reassigned from disc production to test the new equipment and will be retrained.

Fan Backlash and Petitions

Many fans are questioning the value of a PlayStation 6 without a disc drive, and some have encouraged piracy for preservation. A Change.org petition titled "Don't Kill The Disc: Tell Sony To Keep PlayStation Games" by Jade Pearce had over 31,000 signatures at the time of writing. Despite past U-turns by Sony on other issues, the factory's strategic shift makes a reversal unlikely.

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Optical Microlenses Explained

Markus Streibl, head of Micro Optics at Sony DADC, described the new focus: 'Micro optics is the miniaturisation of optical systems and elements and serves to focus and direct light in the smallest possible space. One application would be, for example, a car turn signal that is projected onto asphalt.' This pivot indicates a long-term commitment to the technology.

Industry Implications

Other companies may follow Sony's lead. Nintendo, which uses cartridges and still relies heavily on physical sales, has already diminished physical appeal through Game-Key cards. The move signals a broader industry trend away from physical media.