The disc is dead, long live the cartridge: how British pluck is keeping physical gaming alive

When Sony announced it would cease production of physical PlayStation discs by 2028, the outcry was immediate and fierce. For millions of gamers who treasure their collections, it felt like the end of an era. Yet while the corporate giants march toward a digital-only future, a band of small, determined companies is proving that the appetite for something you can hold, display, and pass on is far from dead. Their message is simple: physical games are not going away.

A new breed of collector

Amanda White, co-founder of iam8bit, a company that has spent 20 years producing video game memorabilia and special editions, sees the Sony decision as a turning point. “What we’ve seen is an incredible passion for physical games,” she says. “The digital space can never provide the same satisfaction as a tangible good.” Her firm’s lavish collector’s editions, which include everything from hand-carved marionettes to replica bandanas, sell out within hours. “We want the gasps of delight when someone opens the box,” she adds.

The ‘Forever Physical’ mission

Limited Run Games, founded in 2015, has published over 1,000 physical releases under the motto “Forever Physical.” Its CFO, Brendan Madigan, argues that the traditional industry has grown lazy. “Open a PS5 box now and you find a lonely disc in an empty plastic tray,” he says. “We offer a curated, collectible experience that holds value.” The company’s limited editions for titles like Tomb Raider and Silent Hill are snapped up in minutes, even after restocks driven by fan demand.

Preservation in a digital age

For many, the real fear is not just losing a box, but losing the game itself. Digital storefronts can close, licences expire, and downloads vanish. Torin Herndon, CEO of ModRetro, which builds modern consoles that play original Game Boy and Nintendo 64 cartridges, puts it bluntly: “If you don’t physically own the media, the game can be taken away from you at any moment. That’s not consumer-friendly.” His company’s Chromatic and M64 consoles allow players to slot in original cartridges, preserving the authenticity of the experience.

A business model that works

Critics argue that physical media is a dying niche, but the numbers tell a different story. Limited Run’s COO, Nic Ashford, says the company has been preparing for this moment for years. “We set this company up in preparation for this moment,” he explains. “The people who seek physical product will always seek it out. It’s not a flawed business model – it’s a loyal one.” He draws a parallel to the resurgence of vinyl records and 4K Blu-rays, noting that younger generations are increasingly craving a connection to the real world.

What does the future hold?

While Sony shows no sign of reversing its decision, the passion for physical games remains undimmed. iam8bit’s Jon Gibson sums up the mood: “We hope that 20, 30, 50 years from now, someone will find a copy of a game we made and give it a shot. That’s exciting – helping something have staying power when it might otherwise be deleted.” For British gamers who value tradition, ownership, and the simple pleasure of a shelf full of memories, that is a promise worth holding onto.