PS4-6 (Features Matrix)
This post will be dedicated for writing about Playstation (PS) only. As we’re anticipating the release of the PS6 for next year, we’re still not 100% sold on purchasing on console. As per Sony, disc drive will be separate purchase, similar to the PS5 Pro. We currently have PS5. We’re contemplating whether or not to keep our PS5, or to sell it by DEC26. As for the PS4, most new releases no longer support PS4, even though many good games are still on PS4. Another thing to mention are the multiplayer modes. Many game developers discontinue multi-online player mode as certain game ages overtime.
This year, we’ve noticed that many PS5 games are resold on CEX, so we bought a few PS5 games. To-date, we still have about $250 in CEX Vouchers.
At the rate that Sony is going, pretty sure PS6 will be the last version to include the disc drive, after that, all future consoles will be focusing on digital purchases. Sony already mentioned closing many disc creation plants in China on one of the Instagram pics we’ve encountered.
Sony is officially greedy. The Playstation Store games are expensive. Their subscription models prices aren’t justified. Consumers are left taking the hit as going digital means we can’t resell or exchanges our games anymore (eg CEX, EB Games).
Another issue with digital purchases is that it’s licensing only, and no ownership as the games are tied to our PSN. In addition, Sony also stated that certain regions, the PSN account will be deactivated after 36 months of inactivity. Hence, all purchases would be wiped. Granted, this doesn’t affect AU, but doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen in the near future. License rights doesn’t mean ownership.
In addition, what about all of the physical CDs? Thinking about how CEX currently operates, they would eventually be out of business if all game developers (eg Sony PS, Microsoft XBox, Nintendo Switch), decide to go digital. We also run the issue of what to do with our CEX funds. If we resell everything for vouchers, what could we buy with? What would happen if our nearest CEX shop closes, and the next store requires travelling. We already have the delivery fee of $4, not to mention we’re at the mercy of Australia Post delivering correctly. Ridiculous. Much to think about.
1. Sony’s global inactivity‑deletion policy (confirmed)
Sony updated its Terms of Service in April 2026, adding a clause that allows PSN accounts to be deleted after 36 months of inactivity, with a 6‑month warning period. This is documented in multiple sources:
Sony may close accounts after 36 months of inactivity, with a warning email and a 6‑month grace period.
This deletion is permanent and results in loss of all digital purchases.
However — this policy is region‑specific.
🟩 2. Does this apply to Australia? (Your region)
The official Australian PlayStation support page does NOT mention inactivity‑based deletion. It only explains how to close your account manually.
This strongly indicates that Australia does not enforce automatic deletion for inactivity.
Why?
The 36‑month deletion clause appears in regions with GDPR‑style data retention laws (EU, UK, South Africa). Australia does not have equivalent mandatory data‑deletion requirements for gaming accounts.
Therefore:
Your Australian PSN account will not be automatically deleted for inactivity.
🟧 3. So do you “own” digital games?
Technically, no — you own a license, not the game itself. If your account were deleted, the license disappears.
But in Australia, the only way your account is deleted is if you request it.
🟨 4. Practical safety rule (global)
Even in regions where deletion applies:
Sony sends a warning email
You get 6 months to log in
Logging in once resets the timer
There are no documented cases of Sony deleting accounts solely due to inactivity
🟪 5. Final Answer (Australia‑specific)
Sony does NOT delete Australian PSN accounts for inactivity.
The 36‑month deletion rule applies only in certain regions (EU, UK, South Africa).
Your digital purchases are safe as long as your PSN account remains active.
You retain full access to your digital library across PS5, PS5 Pro, and PS6.
