Kobo Sage e-Reader Discontinued What This Means for Fans of the 8-Inch Model

The Kobo Sage e-reader has quietly vanished from most markets, leaving readers wondering about the future of Rakuten’s 8-inch device lineup.

A Quiet Fade for Kobo Sage: The End of an Era?

If you were a fan of the Kobo Sage, you might have noticed something odd recently: the device has become increasingly scarce, with most markets reporting it as out of stock since mid-2025. No official word has come from Rakuten about restocking or launching a new version, which has led many to conclude that the Sage is likely discontinued.

This 8-inch e-reader, launched back in 2021, was somewhat of a rarity in the Kobo lineup. It boasted a unique blend of features: physical page-turn buttons, stylus support for note-taking, and an IPX8 waterproof rating. These specifications distinguished it from more casual models like the Kobo Clara Colour, which targeted everyday readers without those extra bells and whistles.

The Sage stood out as a premium choice, especially for those who wanted both versatility and durability. But with no direct successor announced for over four years, this puts the Sage well outside the usual refresh cycle most premium e-readers follow. For instance, Amazon frequently updates its Kindle Scribe and Oasis models, keeping them competitive and fresh in a fast-evolving market.

Where Can You Still Find the Kobo Sage?

Interestingly, New Zealand remains one of the rare places where the Kobo Sage is still available. This isolated availability doesn’t hint at any broader plans to replenish stock in heavy-demand markets like the US, UK, or Europe, where the device was once popular.

While this may disappoint those hoping for a second chance to grab the Sage, Rakuten’s silence on the matter leaves us guessing about its long-term strategy for the 8-inch e-reader segment.

What’s Next for Kobo’s E-Reader Lineup?

Despite the Sage’s apparent disappearance, Rakuten hasn’t completely walked away from its e-reader ambitions. In 2025, the only new release was a fresh white color variant of the Kobo Clara Colour — a modest update that suggests a quieter year for Kobo rather than a full exit from the market.

For those who admired the Sage’s mix of features, the 7-inch Kobo Libra Colour now steps into the spotlight as the closest alternative. It maintains some of the Sage’s most desirable qualities: physical page-turn buttons, waterproofing with an IPX8 rating, and stylus compatibility.

Even better, the Libra Colour supports the Kobo Remote accessory introduced in late 2025, which brings added convenience for readers who want to switch pages without touching the screen. This makes the Libra Colour a logical upgrade or replacement for Sage fans reluctant to jump ship from the Kobo ecosystem.

Retailing at around $258 on major platforms, the Libra Colour offers a smooth transition for users who want to remain within the Rakuten family without resorting to third-party devices.

Exploring Alternatives Beyond Kobo

If color e-ink is more your thing but you’re hesitant about the Kobo lineup, there are other contenders worth considering. One notable example is the Boox Go 7, an Android-based e-reader priced at $249.99.

This device mirrors many of the Sage’s appealing features: it sports physical page-turn buttons, supports stylus input, and packs a hefty 4GB of RAM alongside 64GB of expandable storage. Plus, the Boox Go 7 includes built-in speakers and a microphone, opening the door for audiobook lovers or even voice commands—a nice bonus that enhances versatility beyond reading.

What Does the Future Hold for Kobo and the 8-Inch Segment?

Rakuten has yet to officially confirm the Kobo Sage’s discontinuation. Nor have they revealed whether they intend to re-enter the 8-inch e-reader market in 2026 or beyond. This leaves a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Sage’s fans and those who appreciate mid-sized devices balancing screen real estate with portability.

The lack of new models in 2025 hints at a possible strategic pause. But with the e-reader market’s constant evolution, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rakuten return with fresh offerings — perhaps incorporating new technology or user feedback from the Sage and Libra Colour eras.

“The Kobo Sage launched in 2021 as one of the few e-readers in Rakuten’s lineup to combine physical page-turn buttons, stylus support, and an IPX8 waterproof rating, features that set it apart from the more basic Kobo Clara models targeting casual readers.”

Wrapping Up: Will Kobo Sage Fans Find a True Successor?

The Kobo Sage’s disappearance leaves a gap in the premium e-reader market, especially for those who loved its unique blend of features. While the Libra Colour offers a respectable alternative, and options like the Boox Go 7 appeal to tech enthusiasts, the future of 8-inch e-readers from Kobo remains uncertain.

Are you holding out for a new Sage model, or have you already switched gears to another device? The e-reader world is always evolving, and your next favorite might be just around the corner.

FAQ

• What made the Kobo Sage stand out from other e-readers?
  The Sage combined physical page-turn buttons, stylus support for note-taking, and an IPX8 waterproof rating, making it versatile for various reading environments.
• Is the Kobo Sage officially discontinued?
  Rakuten hasn’t confirmed the discontinuation, but widespread stock shortages and lack of restock plans suggest it has been quietly phased out.
• What is the best Kobo alternative to the Sage now?
  The 7-inch Kobo Libra Colour is the closest match, offering similar features like waterproofing, page-turn buttons, and stylus support.
• Are there any non-Kobo e-readers comparable to the Sage?
  Yes, the Boox Go 7 is an Android-based e-reader with page-turn buttons, stylus compatibility, and enhanced hardware features like expandable storage and speakers.
• Will Rakuten release a new 8-inch e-reader soon?
  There’s no official information yet, so it’s unclear if or when Rakuten will return to the 8-inch e-reader market.

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Valeriy Bagrintsev Founder & Chief Content Creator

Valeriy is the founder of Just Plugged and a tech reviewer focused on consumer electronics, software, and buying guides. He brings years of hands-on experience researching and evaluating tech products to help readers choose better technology with confidence.

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