Yes, don't worry, they've ultimately rejected the download-only plan



According to WSJ, Sony had considered making PS4 a download-only console at one point, but decided to go with the tried and true 'optical disk drive' for next-gen. Microsoft too (for the same reason).

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Sony considered making its PlayStation 3 successor a download-only console but opted instead to include optical drives, "people familiar with the matter" said.

The Japanese electronics maker's flirtation with dropping the optical drive underscores the rising importance of online networks in the videogame industry, which allow console users to download games, television shows and music without the need for disks or cartridges.

Sony is planning a 2013 release for the successor to its PlayStation 3 console, people familiar with the matter said.

Consoles without optical drives would likely add to pressures on brick-and-mortar and online retailers that sell game disks.
Apparently, Sony decided against a download-only model "largely because Internet connections are too inconsistent around the world".

Because game files are large, customers in countries where Internet connections are relatively slow would be hobbled by a requirement to download games, the person said.
Now, seems that Microsoft also opted for an optical drive in the next Xbox console for the same reason.

Microsoft Corp. is planning to include an optical disk drive in the successor to its Xbox 360 console, according to a person familiar with the matter. The software company also had concerns about access to Internet bandwidth, the person said.

A Microsoft spokesman declined to comment.
Well, it looks like it's not happening next-gen... so Next-next-gen, perhaps?

GameStop CEO Paul Raines said his company expects a transition to online-only consoles to happen at some point.

"If we all agree the technology is inevitable—which I think it is because it's like death and taxes—it's still going to take longer to happen than it did for music and movies," Mr. Raines said recently. He noted that many game files are several times larger than a typical high-definition movie, requiring customers to wait a long time before they can play a new game.
Check out the full WSJ article below!

NEWS SOURCE #1: Article #4921778 (via) Wall Street Journal
NEWS SOURCE #2: Report Sony considered then rejected idea of download only PS4 (via) VG247

Our thanks to 'Gauss' for this news item!