Mexican lawmakers have announced plans to file an antitrust complaint against PlayStation. This decision is to stop offering physical game media from January 2028. The move has triggered concerns among users over digital ownership, consumer choice, and access to video games. Federal representative Irais Reyes and Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio stated that they will approach Mexico’s National Antitrust Commission as private citizens.
They argue that PlayStation’s digital-only strategy could strengthen PlayStation Store’s dominance while affecting retailers that sell used games. The lawmakers confirmed that the shift could change how consumers access and own games. Digital purchases generally provide a licence to use software rather than traditional ownership of a physical copy.
The planned move has sparked debate among PlayStation users who rely on physical discs for lending, reselling, or trading games. Once physical copies are removed from the market, players may have fewer options if digital titles are removed from online stores. Concerns over digital ownership have increased after the PlayStation Store removed more than 500 movies from its platform.
Users who purchased those titles were not offered refunds, raising questions over long-term access to digital content. The complaint in Mexico is expected to highlight similar concerns for video games. Lawmakers also pointed to internet access requirements for downloading digital games, saying some regions may face difficulties with reliable connectivity.
Reyes and Colosio have argued that PlayStation’s approach could affect businesses that depend on physical game sales, particularly used-game retailers. They also raised concerns over stricter conditions for publishers releasing games on the PS5 platform.
The debate comes as the gaming industry continues moving towards digital distribution. Developers and consumers have expressed concerns over the impact of removing physical options, especially for game preservation and long-term access.
It is unclear whether the complaint will affect PlayStation’s plans for 2028. However, the action could encourage similar discussions in other countries with strict competition laws.
The dispute shows a wider challenge for the gaming industry. Companies are now facing questions over how to balance digital convenience with consumer expectations around ownership, access, and control over purchased content.