2026 Soulslike Selling Out Proves PS5 Players Still Want Discs

The gaming industry is seeing a significant surge in demand for physical media following the announcement of Mortal Shell 2. According to reports from GameSpot and Polygon, the upcoming soulslike title has become so popular that it has already sold out of PlayStation 5 preorders. This trend is occurring as the game prepares for an August release date, which was officially confirmed alongside the debut of a new trailer described by CGMagazine as bloody. The high volume of physical sales is coinciding with a period of high market competition, as PC Gamer notes that the title is joining a crowded release window that includes the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. Coverage from Kotaku emphasizes that the rapid depletion of physical stock serves as proof that PS5 players still desire discs for their gaming libraries.

Polygon further connects this buying frenzy to a controversial announcement made by Sony, though the specific details of that announcement are not elaborated upon in the provided headlines. The focus across multiple outlets, including IMDb and GameSpot, remains on the game's status as one of the most exciting soulslike experiences of 2026 and its ability to generate massive preorder interest despite the presence of other major AAA releases during the same timeframe. This development is significant because it highlights a tension between digital distribution trends and consumer preferences for tangible ownership. While the industry has moved heavily toward digital storefronts, the success of Mortal Shell 2's physical edition suggests that a sizeable portion of the PlayStation 5 user base still prioritizes physical copies. The context of the release is further complicated by the surrounding market pressure of the Grand Theft Auto 6 release crush, yet PC Gamer suggests that the visual quality and appeal of the game may insulate it from the negative effects of such a competitive launch window.

Looking forward, observers will be monitoring the actual launch in August to see if the preorder momentum translates into sustained sales. Since the physical editions have already sold out, future coverage will likely focus on whether additional disc runs are commissioned to meet the remaining demand. Furthermore, because Polygon linked these sales to a controversial Sony announcement, the industry will be watching for further reactions from the player base regarding Sony's hardware or software policies. The effectiveness of the game's marketing, following the release of the latest trailer, will also be a key metric as the August deadline approaches.