After Sony announced it will stop producing new PlayStation discs in 2028, the future of physical media has become a hot topic among gamers. A new study on Blu-ray longevity provides a better idea of how long PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 discs may remain functional.
Supporters of physical games argue that digital purchases do not provide the same sense of ownership as discs. Another recent study backed that argument by finding that more than 90% of PS5 discs can be played offline. However, researchers also point out that physical media has its own limitations.
According to the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), read-only Blu-ray discs (BD-ROM), including PS4 and PS5 game discs, are generally expected to remain usable for 10 to 20 years. These discs contain pre-recorded data and are not designed for rewriting.
In a 2024 interview, CCI Heritage Information Analyst Ern Bieman said:
«Discs, whether they are optical discs or any other kind of media, are degrading from the day you get them». He also noted that while some discs could theoretically survive for more than two decades, "banking on it" is not recommended.
One reason game discs are difficult to preserve is the way BD-ROM technology works. Games require a continuous stream of data, meaning even small damage to a critical area can render the entire disc unusable. Blu-ray media is also more susceptible to physical damage because the data layer is relatively thin. At the same time, modern discs include error correction and re-reading systems that can compensate for minor defects.
There are also more durable Blu-ray options available. CMC Magnetics, the company behind the Verbatim brand, says its TÜV Rheinland-certified BD-R 6X SL discs are capable of storing data for up to 70 years. However, because Blu-ray technology is still relatively young, there are not enough long-term independent studies to fully confirm or challenge those claims.
CCI experts also shared several recommendations for extending the lifespan of PlayStation discs. They advise handling discs only by the center hole and outer edge, labeling them only with water-based permanent markers on the clear inner hub, avoiding adhesive labels and plastic sleeves, storing discs vertically in standard jewel cases, minimizing exposure to light and pollutants, and keeping them in a cool, dry environment with temperatures between -10°C and 23°C and relative humidity between 20% and 50%. у прохолодному сухому місці за температури від -10°C до 23°C і відносної вологості 20–50%.
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