Third of PS5 Games Need Download Before Play
An analysis of PlayStation 5 games finds many discs require downloads before play, prompting new federal legislation in Congress.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Gaming
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DoesItPlay found 34% of PlayStation 5 games require a download before play, even when bought on disc. Sony announced in July 2026 that it will halt all physical PlayStation game releases in January 2028.
Why it matters
Game discs can hold roughly 100 gigabytes, so larger titles must be downloaded, leaving buyers of physical copies dependent on internet access. Congressman Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act in October 2026 in response to these concerns.
PlayStation 5 Blu-ray discs hold around 100 gigabytes, while NBA 2K25 launched in 2024 at between $69.99 and $99.99. Some disc games also contain day-one patches or extra content locked behind updates.
The players
Sony
Sony is the Japanese electronics company that manufactures the PlayStation 5 console and publishes games for it.
Ritchie Torres
Ritchie Torres is a United States Representative from New York who introduced the Power To The Players Act in Congress.
The details
Large game files exceed the capacity of PlayStation 5 Blu-ray discs, so some games must be downloaded before they can be played. Some disc games also include day-one patches or extra content that is locked behind updates.
Timeline
2024: NBA 2K25 released at $69.99 to $99.99.
July 2026: Sony announced it will halt all physical PlayStation game releases.
October 2026: Congressman Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act.
January 2028: Physical PlayStation game releases are set to halt.
End of the year: Online servers for NBA 2K25 will be shut down.
Culture Shift
Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act in October 2026 as a congressional response to disc-based games requiring downloads. The bill reflects a growing debate over whether physical media still guarantees ownership and playability for buyers.
Buyers of physical PlayStation 5 games may find that a disc still requires a large download before it will run. Anyone purchasing a game should check whether a download is needed before relying on the disc alone.
The takeaway
Buyers of physical game discs should check whether a title needs a download before play, since disc ownership alone may not guarantee a working game. Reviewing this before purchase can help avoid unexpected delays.
Further reading
Explore more on Gaming for context on how console storage and digital distribution are changing how games are played.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BGR.
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