Your physical PS5 and PS4 game collection might not last as long as you think

On the heels of Sony announcing it will be ending production of physical PlayStation discs, researchers have looked into how long PS5 and PS4 game discs will last, giving PlayStation gamers an idea of how long they will have access to their games before they vanish.

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According to a new study from the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), PS4 and PS5 games will remain playable for anywhere between 10 to 20 years, and after that, the discs aren't guaranteed to work. The findings come as Sony announced it will stop producing physical game discs in January 2028, sparking renewed debate over the future of physical media in gaming, and what it means to actually own a game you have purchased.

The study focused on read-only Blu-ray discs, like those used for PS4 and PS5 games, and found that these discs begin degrading the moment they're manufactured. "Discs, whether they are optical discs or any other kind of media, are degrading from the day you get them," said Ern Bieman, a Heritage Information Analyst at the CCI. One of the biggest problems with disc storage is that the storage layer is extremely thin, meaning even minor scratches, humidity, or heat can result in the disc being unreadable.

This raises concerns for collectors and gamers who rely on physical copies for ownership and archival purposes. While some third-party discs claim lifespans of up to 70 years, the CCI says most real-world conditions limit longevity to two decades at best, and anything beyond that shouldn't be counted on by the owner. The study also noted that PS5 discs function well offline today, but their future viability remains uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Question #1

What lifespan did the Canadian Conservation Institute estimate for PS4 and PS5 Blu-ray game discs under normal conditions?

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Question #2

What factors did the study identify that cause Blu-ray game discs to degrade over time?

The study found Blu-ray game discs begin degrading from the day they are manufactured and that the storage layer is extremely thin, so even minor scratches can render a disc unreadable. It also identified environmental factors such as humidity and heat as causes of degradation and advised storing discs vertically in a cool, dry, pollutant-free location.

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Question #3

What storage practices did the article recommend to help extend the life of PlayStation game discs?

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Question #4

Will PS5 discs continue to function offline according to the study, and what uncertainty remains?

The study says PS5 discs function well offline today and should remain playable for about 10 to 20 years under normal conditions. The remaining uncertainty is their long term viability beyond that 10 to 20 year window, since discs begin degrading from manufacture and anything after two decades is not guaranteed to work.

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As the 2028 deadline approaches, gamers are being urged to store discs properly, which involves placing them vertically, in a cool, dry location, and free from pollutants.