The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Former PlayStation Studios head Shawn Layden says moving away from physical games changes what buyers can claim to own: a resellable copy, or access to a digital license. Sony has announced that new PlayStation games will become digital-only beginning in January 2028. That schedule is still in the future; it does not mean disc releases have already ended.
What Layden criticized
In an October 2026 appearance on The Expansion Pass podcast, Layden focused on the difference between owning a game and having access to a digital asset. GamesRadar quoted him saying that the shift “changes the conversation from ‘do you own a game?’ Or ‘do you have access to a digital asset?’” GamesRadar’s October 5 report covers his remarks.
His criticism is about the consequences of a purchase that cannot ordinarily be resold, not simply a preference for collecting. Layden also acknowledged that downloads are convenient and described people who still buy physical games as a smaller but “super important” group. He said he lacked visibility into Sony’s financials, so his view is not a disclosed assessment of the company’s business case. Dexerto’s October 6 report also summarizes his comments about physical buyers.
When does Sony plan to stop physical releases?
Sony’s announced schedule is for new PlayStation games to be available in digital formats only beginning in January 2028, according to Ars Technica’s July 1, 2026 report. This is a forward-looking schedule, not confirmation that discs have already disappeared from sale. It also concerns new PlayStation games; it does not establish what will happen to existing physical copies or the availability of older titles.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why Sony says it is making the change
Sony’s reported rationale is that players’ general preference for digital media significantly exceeds their preference for discs. In its fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, digital downloads accounted for 78 percent of full-game unit purchases, Sony reported. That figure is for full-game unit purchases in that fiscal year—not revenue, every kind of game, or all platforms.
Sony CFO Lin Tao said the company had considered the decision and would move cautiously. A Sony communications executive was also reported as saying the company did not expect discontinuing discs to have a negative business impact, while acknowledging players’ attachment to physical games. Those company statements describe Sony’s position; they do not resolve Layden’s concern about what buyers receive when a purchase is a license. Ars Technica’s report on the schedule and digital share and its July 31 earnings-call coverage provide the reported context.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What changes for a buyer: a disc versus a digital license
The most concrete difference Layden points to is transferability. Ars Technica quotes PlayStation Store terms describing a digital purchase as a personal license for private, non-commercial use that is not transferable unless applicable local law requires otherwise. That language supports a distinction between a licensed digital copy and a physical copy that may be resold; it does not establish that Sony will revoke all digital purchases.
| Consideration | Physical game | Digital purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Resale or transfer | A disc can be resold or passed on, subject to applicable law and the buyer having the disc. | PlayStation Store terms describe the purchase as a non-transferable personal license, except where local law requires otherwise. |
| Convenience | Requires obtaining and using a physical copy. | Layden acknowledged the convenience of downloading games. |
| Collecting | Offers a physical item for a collection. | Does not provide a physical copy to collect. |
| New PlayStation releases | Sony’s announced schedule says new games will become digital-only beginning in January 2028. | Sony’s announced schedule says new games will be available digitally beginning in January 2028. |
Neither format alone establishes every detail of long-term access. The cited terms explain the nature of a digital license, but they do not prove that Sony will withdraw access to every purchased game. Likewise, the evidence here does not establish that a disc always contains a complete game. The practical distinction supported by the reporting is that a physical copy can be transferred in a way a PlayStation Store license ordinarily cannot.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What about players with limited internet access?
Layden has separately raised broadband access as a concern, including for customers on military bases who may not have reliable internet. In a July 2026 interview summarized by Push Square, he also speculated that a future PS6 might not include a disc drive. That was his speculation, not a Sony hardware announcement. Push Square’s July 3 summary covers those comments.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
