Sony’s Digital Shift Puts the $7.2B Used Game Market at Risk

As the industry shifts toward digital-only gaming, questions are growing about what happens to the secondhand market and the players who still rely on physical games.

Gaming has always been about choice. Some players buy games on launch day, while others wait for discounts or pick up pre-owned copies to save money. But as Sony continues pushing toward a digital-first future, many are starting to wonder whether those choices could slowly disappear.

The conversation has expanded well beyond fans on social media. Industry analysts, developers, and investors are now discussing what an all-digital future could mean—not just for Sony, but for the gaming business as a whole. One of the biggest concerns is the future of the used game market.

Digital purchases are becoming more common, but pre-owned games still play a huge part in how many people enjoy gaming. Analysts figure the world's used gaming market is worth about $7.2 billion today, accounting for used games, consoles, accessories and other gaming hardware. The sources said that may rise to around $13.8 billion by 2034.

North America accounts for the biggest share of that market, generating close to 37% of its revenue. In the United States alone, more than 38% of video game transactions reportedly involved a pre-owned game last year. Those numbers suggest that used games remain far from a niche part of the industry.

For many players, buying used isn't just about saving money. It's often the easiest way to discover something new. A game picked up for a small price can introduce someone to a franchise they might never have tried otherwise. If they enjoy it, they're more likely to buy future entries at full price.

So what happens if that option slowly disappears?

That's the question many people are asking as Sony continues leaning further into digital distribution. Publishers naturally benefit when every sale goes directly through their storefronts, but critics argue that removing physical copies also removes one of gaming's biggest advantages. Players can no longer trade games with friends, sell them after finishing them, or hunt for bargains at local stores.

The discussion has also reached company executives. In an investor session, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot spoke about the industry's digital transition. According to the sources, he said the PC market showed that digital distribution helped grow the overall audience.

He also pointed out that digital-only consoles could be cheaper to make, which could mean more affordable gear in the future for consumers. At the same time, Guillemot admitted the change brings trade-offs as well as rewards. Ubisoft doesn’t think digital-only gaming is a big disruption for the industry, but many think there’s no way to know what the long-term effects will be.

Another issue being raised is regulation. If digital ownership becomes a greater concern for consumers, governments could eventually introduce rules to protect buyers. According to the sources, that possibility raises another debate, as many in the gaming industry would rather see the market evolve naturally than through government intervention.

The biggest test may not come until the next generation of consoles.

The PlayStation 6 could reveal whether players are truly comfortable moving away from physical games. Mega releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 are unlikely to provide useful answers because they are expected to sell regardless of format. Instead, everyday game launches will likely paint a clearer picture.

For now, Sony's digital strategy remains a bold bet. Digital gaming is growing in popularity, but physical games still have a little something for a lot of players: ownership, flexibility, and price. Whether those benefits fade away—or continue to shape how people buy games—may become one of the industry's biggest stories over the next few years. And if physical games eventually disappear, will players adapt, or will they simply start buying fewer games altogether?