Xbox is reportedly testing a disc-to-digital program aimed at preserving physical game purchases for its players. This development follows Sony’s announcement to discontinue PlayStation game discs. The testing is currently focused on Xbox One and Xbox Series X titles, with limitations on support for older games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360.
The program is designed to link a digital version of a game to its physical disc. Players will be able to play the game without needing to keep the disc in their console. In a scenario where a disc is inserted into a different Xbox, the digital copy will transfer to the linked account on that system. This measure is intended to prevent simultaneous play of a single physical copy among multiple users while still allowing players to trade in their games.
According to sources, the program will also permit game streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming for compatible titles, provided users have an active Game Pass membership. Additionally, it aims to support Xbox Play Anywhere, extending access to PC and handheld devices.
Reports indicate that Xbox may not publicly announce the disc-to-digital program for some time, partly due to ongoing testing efforts and imminent employee layoffs. An official announcement could be expected in the coming months, according to The Verge.
Xbox Series X/S systems support backward compatibility for all Xbox One games except those that require Kinect. This disc-to-digital program would enable Xbox owners to retain access to some physical game purchases on future hardware and could help address issues like disc rot.
It remains uncertain whether Project Helix, the next Xbox console, will include a disc drive. However, Xbox has already begun transitioning to a digital future, as demonstrated by the all-digital Xbox Series S and the forthcoming all-digital variant of the Series X. Microsoft is unlikely to signal a complete departure from physical discs while gamers are reacting to Sony’s recent decisions.
