Podcast examines gaming’s move away from game discs
The latest Vergecast centers on Sony’s disc plans, Microsoft’s digitization work and what a shift away from physical games could change.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
3 min read
The Vergecast’s latest episode puts the decline of boxed video games at the center of its discussion, according to The Verge. The topic matters because The Verge says the move toward digital distribution could change how players buy, share and use games.
David Pierce, editor-at-large at The Verge and a co-host of The Vergecast, wrote that the episode covers Sony’s plan to end production of PlayStation discs. Pierce said the hosts also discuss Microsoft’s continuing effort to digitize games and the broader move away from physical game media.
The episode was published July 2, 2026, according to The Verge. Pierce wrote that he and Nilay discuss why the shift may make business sense for game companies, while also raising questions for players who have built collections around discs.
Discs give way to accounts and downloads
The Verge framed the discussion around a long-running part of gaming culture: collecting hardware, accessories and physical copies of games. Pierce wrote that games have arrived in many forms over the years, but that period now appears to be drawing to a close.
The episode links Sony’s reported PlayStation disc plans with Microsoft’s broader digital strategy, according to The Verge. Pierce wrote that the hosts consider how a move away from discs could affect ownership habits, sharing and consumption.
The Verge also connected the shift to pressure on gaming businesses. Pierce wrote that the companies involved are seeking models that make financial sense, and that digital distribution fits that push.
Apple, OpenAI and gadgets also feature
After the gaming discussion, the episode turns to other technology news, according to The Verge. Pierce wrote that the hosts talk about an upcoming OpenAI gadget launch, while clarifying that it is not one of the devices some listeners may expect.
The show also covers purported leaks involving the iPhone 18 Pro, The Verge said. Pierce wrote that the hosts use that discussion to look at the iPhone lineup more broadly.
The episode includes a discussion about whether any company is close to replacing the keyboard, according to The Verge. Pierce did not present a conclusion in the episode summary, only that the question is part of the gadget segment.
Lightning round topics
The Verge said the episode’s lightning round includes its “Hype Desk” segment and a segment titled “Brendan Carr is a Dummy.” Pierce also listed SpaceX phone news and unusual BMW headlights among the topics.
The episode is available to watch, listen to or receive ad-free through The Verge’s podcast links, according to the publication. Pierce also pointed listeners to recent Vergecast episodes on a coding challenge, the future of InfoWars and Rivian’s R2.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.