Xbox Tests Disc-to-Digital Feature, Microsoft Likely to End Disc Production

Following Sony’s confirmation that physical PlayStation games will cease production by 2028, hinting at a fully digital PS6, Xbox appears to be taking its own steps toward a disc-free future. According to Tom Warren at The Verge, Xbox employees are currently testing a disc-to-digital entitlement program, a critical feature for preserving backwards compatibility ahead of the anticipated disc-less Project Helix console. This move also suggests a “likely” end to Xbox game disc manufacturing.

Warren reports that the disc-to-digital feature will only work with Xbox Series and Xbox One era games. Older titles from the original Xbox and Xbox 360, even those playable on the Xbox Series X/S through backwards compatibility, will not be supported. For eligible games, inserting the disc, installing, and playing will generate a digital license tied to your Xbox account. This allows you to play the game later without needing the disc.

If the disc is later used on a different account, such as when you sell the game, lend it to a friend, or use it on another console, the digital entitlement transfers to the new user. This gives you a reason to hold onto physical games you want to keep playing, while still allowing discs to be sold to retailers or directly to other gamers.

When asked how Project Helix should support physical game discs, 46% of voters in a recent poll favored a built-in disc drive, 32% preferred external disc drives, and 22% supported a disc-to-digital entitlement program.

The Xbox PC app already contains code referencing an “enable Disc2Digital” toggle. Using this feature will let you play Xbox games on PC if they are Xbox Play Anywhere titles. Similarly, you can stream your library to other devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming with an active Game Pass subscription.

Few restrictions apply, though Microsoft has warned internal testers that some early Xbox One discs may not work. The company notes that it “all depends on how and when the disc was manufactured… it may not have the features we need for this program.”

Microsoft first experimented with disc-based licenses during the Xbox One era, which began 13 years ago. While the company abandoned that system under consumer pressure, it is clear that licenses have been built into all discs since then, paving the way for this disc-to-digital feature.

What do you think? Personally, I find this feature makes the digital transition much more manageable, even though I would prefer consoles to continue offering a disc drive option. As always, we welcome your thoughts in the comments below.