Ironically, the PS5 is now helping keep Blu-rays alive as Sony phases out its other players
Effective today, Sony will stop shipping the UBP‑X700, its last standalone Blu‑ray unit, according to Japanese retailer Kunkoku. The model currently lists for about $328 on Amazon, only marginally higher than Panasonic’s UB420, which has been reduced to $299.99 from $369.99. With the UBP‑X700 gone, Sony’s Blu‑ray capability is confined to the Disc‑Edition PS5, a console that retails for $649.99—roughly double the price of a dedicated player. The move follows Sony’s earlier announcement that it will cease manufacturing physical PS5 game discs after 2028, signaling a clear pivot away from optical media.
The phase‑out underscores a broader industry shift. Physical formats have been losing ground to streaming services for years, yet a niche of collectors is reviving vinyl, CDs, DVDs and even VHS as a reaction against subscription fatigue. Sony’s withdrawal leaves Panasonic as the sole major brand still offering a mainstream 4K Blu‑ray player, effectively consolidating the market. At the same time, Xbox’s recent adjustments to its streaming subscription fees suggest competitors are double‑downing on digital delivery, increasing pressure on any remaining physical‑media hardware.
Looking ahead, consumers who value owned media will likely gravitate toward Panasonic’s UB420, especially as retailers hint at further price cuts ahead of the holiday season. Sony’s decision may accelerate the decline of Blu‑ray sales, but it also frees the company to focus on its core gaming ecosystem and upcoming services. Watch for Sony’s next hardware announcements—whether it will replace the UBP‑X700 with a new multimedia feature inside future consoles—or if Panasonic can leverage its de‑facto monopoly to capture a larger share of the still‑present collector market.
Key Takeaways
Sony’s discontinuation of the UBP‑X700 removes its only standalone Blu‑ray player, leaving the PS5 Disc Edition as the sole Sony‑branded disc option.
Panasonic’s UB420 becomes the primary mainstream 4K Blu‑ray player, now priced at $299.99 after a $70 discount.
The price gap—$328 for Sony’s former player versus $649.99 for a PS5 Disc Edition—makes dedicated players a more economical choice for disc enthusiasts.
With Sony exiting the optical‑media hardware space, the market may contract further unless Panasonic or other manufacturers introduce competitive new models.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by GamesRadar. Here is a short excerpt for context:
Reports suggest Sony is ready to kill its final standalone Blu-ray player, but the PS5 isn't the answer for physical media preservationists.Read the original at GamesRadar
