Physical media is finally making a comeback, and here's the proof
Despite the decline of physical media in major retail stores, there are signs of a niche resurgence, including Sony's release of a refreshed 4K Blu-ray player. The market for physical discs remains relevant for enthusiasts who prioritize high-quality home theater experiences.
Why it matters
The persistence of physical media highlights a consumer preference for ownership and high-fidelity formats in an increasingly digital-first streaming landscape.
By Eli Becht Published Aug 2, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT Eli is a freelance journalist who lives in Detroit, MI. He got his start in journalism covering video games and sports for Heavy before branching out into greater esports coverage at Dexerto . He also has bylines at SlashGear , Sports Illustrated , and more. He added technology coverage to his plate over his years of writing, and it's something he continues to cover at Pocket-lint. He's interviewed numerous game developers and covered several live events, such as the launch of Destiny 2 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 in Los Angeles. He has written more than 5,000 articles and looks to continue adding to that number in the years to come. For Pocket-lint, he specializes in home theater audio/video formats, and he's a huge fan of streaming devices like the Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K.
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