Sony, one of the world's most iconic technology brands, has announced that it will stop manufacturing Blu-ray discs, MiniDiscs and Mini DV tapes from February 2025.This movement, considered the end of an era in the field of physical recording formats, responds to the growing popularity of digital alternatives such as streaming services and cloud storage.
The Japanese multinational has announced that it will not develop successors for these formats. According to the company, the contraction of the market has made a structural reform necessary. This change marks a significant step in the transition to a more digitally-focused environment, something that has become inevitable.
Goodbye to recordable physical formats
Sony's decision specifically affects recordable Blu-ray discs, MiniDiscs and Mini DV tapes., formats that for decades played a crucial role in the recording of content. Although the production of these products will cease in February, sales will continue until stocks on the market run out.
Since the 80, Sony has led the innovation in recording formatsHowever, the company has a history of betting on proprietary technologies, such as Betamax and MiniDisc, which failed to achieve mass commercial adoption. Now, the more than 80% drop in sales of Blu-ray devices since 2011 has been a determining factor in this decision.
What will happen to Blu-ray movies and video games?
While the cessation of production affects recordable formats, Sony will continue to manufacture Blu-ray disc playback and recording devices, at least for now. This means that Blu-ray movies and video games won't be disappearing immediately, although the future of the physical format in general remains uncertain.
The decision also comes as other major brands such as LG have stopped making Blu-ray players, signalling a general decline in the sector. Rise of streaming and digital downloading poses tough competition for these traditional formats.
The MiniDisc: a format that marked an era
In addition to the Blu-ray, MiniDisc will also say goodbye after decades of a significant, albeit limited, presence in the market.. Released in 1992, this format offered advantages such as skip protection and superior audio quality to the analogue cassette of the time. However, its adoption was limited outside Japan due to economic and technical factors.
In Japan, The MiniDisc found a solid base of collectors and loyal users, which managed to keep it alive long after its commercial peak. With this announcement, comes the definitive end of a technology that, although it did not achieve global success, left an indelible mark on the industry.
The decline of physical media
Sony's withdrawal from the recordable disc market reflects a structural shift in consumer preferencesThe convenience and accessibility of streaming platforms have made physical storage less attractive for most users.
As Blu-ray players and recordable discs face declining sales, Modern consoles also point to a digital future. Physical editions of video games, although still available, are becoming a secondary option compared to digital downloads. In fact, there are few games that start out as digital-only editions and over time They are now offering their game in physical form.
This move by Sony could be a catalyst for other companies to re-evaluate their approach to physical formats as well. In fact, with Sony out of the game, Options for consumers who still rely on physical media will be more limited.
Sony ends production of Blu-ray discs and other physical formats marks the closing of an important chapter in the history of technologyThis shift highlights how consumer needs and preferences have evolved towards an increasingly digital world, leaving behind decades of innovation in optical media.