 |
| NIS America logo shown above blank PS5 discs |
For NIS America, physical games are not just a nice extra—they are a major part of the business. The publisher, a subsidiary of Nippon Ichi Software, has built its Western fanbase by bringing lesser-known JRPGs to players, often through physical releases and Collector’s Editions. That makes the possible end of PS5 discs in early 2028 especially worrying for the company.
At PAX West, Kotaku spoke with Kenzo Saruhashi, CEO of Nippon Ichi Software and president of NIS America. Despite PlayStation’s plan to stop producing Blu-rays for new releases, Saruhashi said the publisher will “continue making those physical editions” it is known for. The digital-code-in-a-box model used by games like GTA 6 is one option, but it likely would not satisfy loyal customers who still want a disc in their hands.
That does not mean NIS America is ready to give up. The company has been in contact with Sony, and the shift to digital games has been one of the topics discussed. Saruhashi said Sony has been “hearing a lot of the feedback from customers.” So far, there are no concrete signs that PlayStation will reverse its decision, but he suggested the discussion may change in the future. Fans can still keep up with the publisher through NIS America, while the original Kotaku interview offers more detail on those behind-the-scenes talks. The conversation has also circulated online via Kotaku on X.
The CEO of Nippon Ichi Software says he's having "discussion" with Sony about its planned discontinuation of physical discs https://t.co/MKtmI0YgQp
— Kotaku (@Kotaku) September 25, 2026
Recently, there have been signs that PlayStation may be more receptive to physical-game advocates behind closed doors. Since making its controversial announcement on July 1, the company has faced near-constant protests on social media. While it ignored many of those posts, a survey sent to developers reportedly acknowledged the criticism.
YouTuber and leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead claimed Sony indirectly asked partners about their concerns over the future of PS5 discs. Between that survey and Sony discussing the issue with NIS America, there is evidence that the console maker may be softening its stance—or at least listening more carefully.
One possible path forward is limited physical support. Blu-ray factories could stay open in 2028 to print media for existing releases, and Sony could use remaining capacity for discs shipped as part of Collector’s Editions. That would not be a full return to the old model, but it could be a middle ground that keeps physical collectors interested.
Without a solution, NIS America may have to rely more heavily on competitors. The publisher already sells JRPGs on multiple platforms, including Xbox, Switch, and Switch 2. Nintendo is unlikely to abandon cartridges entirely in favor of digital-only games, though it has already faced resistance over its download-dependent Game-Key Card format.
For now, NIS America is not giving up on discs. If Sony really is listening, the coming period could decide whether physical PS5 games get a lifeline—or become another collector’s memory.