The PlayStation 3 was released in 2006. Sony has famously said the console will have a ten year console life. By that math, we can expect the PlayStation 4 sometime after 2016. But can we expect a digital-download-only console?
Sony Computer Entertainment boss Kaz Hirai discussed digital downloads and their future in Sony consoles.
"We do business in parts of the world where network infrastructure isn't as robust as one would hope," Hirai told website MCV.
"There's always going to be requirement for a business of our size and scope to have a physical medium," Hirai continued. "To think everything will be downloaded in two years, three years or even ten years from now is taking it a little bit to the extreme."
While Sony launched a digital-download-only version of the PSP called the PSPgo, Sony also won the hi-def format war with Blu-ray. Supporting physical format could be best globally for PlayStation customers and for Sony's own interests.
Back in 2006, former Sony Computer Entertainment exec Phil Harrison told Wired, "I'd be amazed if the PlayStation 4 has a physical disc drive."
Hirai: PS4 not download-only [MCVUK] [Pic]