Sony considered opting for a download-only format for its next-gen console but ultimately decided against it, sources told The Wall Street Journal.
Embracing the rapid rise of Internet-delivered content ensures a degree of future-proofing upcoming hardware, but Sony’s popularization of Blu-ray support over HD-DVD already provides enormous benefit. Still, notable developers continue exploring hardware possibilities.
Sony introduced the Blu-ray format with the 2006 launch of the PlayStation 3. Such disks allow for speedy retrieval of data from memory and an ability to access and display outstanding graphics. A disk-less console would likely cost a lot less to manufacture and it could capitalize on download technology. But Sony decided against the disk-less solution because many parts of the world don’t have adequate bandwidth.
Sony declined to comment on WSJ’s report.