In a shocking turn of events, Sony has declared the imminent shutdown of its PlayStation Store on the PS3 and Vita consoles starting next month in specific countries. Despite this closure, players will still be able to download previously purchased content post-shutdown for an undetermined period. This announcement comes alongside another game-changing revelation: as early as January 2028, no new PlayStation 5 games will hit the shelves on discs; instead, they'll exclusively launch digitally through the PlayStation Store. Certain games will still be available physically at retailers with digital download codes, such as GTA 6 later this year. Sony justifies this move to streamline the PlayStation experience on newer devices like the PS5, where it intends to focus its resources for delivering top-notch gaming experiences. The announcement has left a bitter taste in the mouths of dedicated PS3 and Vita players, who cherish these systems for their contribution to PlayStation's rich history. Sony admits that it was a tough decision to make but considers both devices as an important part of its PlayStation legacy. Launched in 2011 and 2006 respectively, the PS Vita and PS3 have faced sales challenges throughout their lifetimes, with the former struggling to compete against Nintendo's DS and the latter battling price and design criticisms alongside fierce competition from Xbox 360. Sony has not disclosed exact sales figures for these consoles, but estimates suggest that the Vita moved around 10-15 million units during its run, while the PS3 sold approximately 87.4 million consoles, slightly less than half of what the PS2 achieved. Tom Phillips, IGN's News Editor, reported on this development. You can reach him at [email protected] or connect with him on [email protected].