With the next generation Sony PlayStation, questions began to arise whether this game console would follow the lead of the PSP Go by eliminating the optical drive all together in favor of digital downloads for game titles.

In a interview with MCV UK, Sony Computer Entertainment’s Chief Executive Officer Kaz Hirai has stated that the PS4 will have an optical drive as there is still a need for physical media. Hirai goes on to say that even ten years from now, a system that relies exclusively on downloadable software is “taking it a little bit to the extreme.” The main reason for CD based software has to do with the fact that network infrastructure is not standard and in some parts of the world is not dependable enough to rely on solely for software downloads.

Some of this vision may come from experience that Sony has gained with their portable console, the PSP Go. With this game console, it’s widely believed that download only software actually affected sales in a negative manner. In fact, many retailers refused to carry the PSP Go because they were unable to make money off the sale of both new and used games.

Via: Electronista, The Cool Gadgets