GameStop CEO Responds to Sony’s Move Away From PlayStation Discs

CEO of GameStop, Ryan Cohen, has dismissed Sony’s plan to stop producing physical copies of new PlayStation games in January 2028. He argues that the retailer is no longer dependent on software sales.

The response reflects GameStop’s changing business model. The company is focusing more on collectibles and resale products as console gaming shifts toward digital distribution.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Cohen stated that Sony’s decision “doesn’t matter at all.” He described Sony’s decision as “totally irrelevant” to GameStop. Cohen said software now represents less than 12% of its business, while collectibles account for more than half.

GameStop’s official first-quarter (Q1) 2026 sales mix uses broader reporting categories. Software generated $152.7 million USD, or 18.3% of its $835.3M in net sales. Collectibles contributed $348.9M, or 41.8%. The category helped drive a 14% year-over-year (YoY) increase in total sales from $732.4M.

Collectibles and Resale Reshape GameStop’s Business

GameStop’s strategy increasingly centers on trading cards, including Pokémon products, and other collectibles. The retailer also maintains a resale market for physical games and older consoles. That includes systems such as the PS2, PS3, N64, Xbox 360, GameCube, and Sega Dreamcast.

The company has also partnered with Uber Eats to deliver games, consoles, and collectibles from participating stores.

The shift comes alongside improved financial results. GameStop reported Q1 operating income of $143.3M, its highest for any Q1. That compares with a $10.8M operating loss in Q1 2025. Quarterly net income reached a company record of $389.6M, while adjusted operating income stood at $140.5M.

Sony’s Disc Exit Could Reshape the Secondhand Market

Sony’s exit from new physical game production could eventually reduce the supply of PlayStation titles entering the resale market. Digital storefronts would also gain a larger role in distribution. Consumers could have fewer opportunities to shop for discounted physical copies or resell games they have finished playing.

For GameStop, Cohen’s response signals a different priority. The retailer is increasingly betting on collectibles, retro hardware, and resale products rather than relying on newly manufactured PlayStation discs.