Sony Phases Out Its Last Standalone Blu‑Ray Player
Months after announcing it would leave the physical PS5 game market in 2028, Sony has now discontinued its UBP‑X700 standalone Blu‑ray player, according to Japanese retailer Kunkoku. The move leaves only the PS5 disc‑edition console in Sony’s Blu‑ray lineup.
While physical media has been making a comeback—vinyl, CDs, DVDs and even VHS are finding new homes—Sony’s decision follows a broader industry shift. Competitors such as Panasonic continue to offer 4K Blu‑ray players, with the UB420 priced at $299.99, down from $369.99, and a cheaper HD model at $117.99. Amazon still lists the discontinued UBP‑X700 for about $328.
The price cut of roughly $70 is one of the deepest discounts seen this year, though the player was as low as $249.99 a year ago. Analysts expect an additional $50 drop before next month, making the current price one of the lowest of 2026. Compared with the $649.99 PS5 Disc Edition, the cost gap may persuade many gamers to look elsewhere for their movie playback.
Sony’s exit from the Blu‑ray market is not surprising, but it adds another nail to a coffin that has been sealing for years as streaming services dominate. Collectors who value owning physical copies are increasingly turning to alternatives, a trend that goes beyond TikTok fads. As Sony refocuses its strategy, it appears that its rivals will have to keep the discs spinning.
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