Xbox Reportedly Testing Disc-to-Digital Program
Xbox has reportedly started testing a program that would allow players to convert their disc-based games into digital copies, ensuring physical purchases remain usable in an increasingly digital future.
According to The Verge, Xbox recently began testing a disc-to-digital conversion program for Xbox One and Xbox Series X titles. The program will not cover original Xbox or Xbox 360 games, and may not support every Xbox One title. It aims to bind a digital version to the physical disc, allowing players to play without inserting the disc. If the disc is inserted into another Xbox, the digital copy follows to that console's account, preventing disc sharing. Crucially, players will still be able to resell their discs. Games compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming can be streamed with a Game Pass subscription. The program also supports Xbox Play Anywhere on PC and handhelds. An official announcement is expected in the coming months. Xbox already offers backward compatibility for all Xbox One games except those requiring Kinect. This program would ensure physical games remain accessible on future hardware and help mitigate disc rot. It is unclear if the next Xbox (Project Helix) will have a disc drive, but Xbox has released disc-less versions of the Series X and Series S. Xbox is likely to follow PlayStation in ditching discs, but won't announce it now amid player backlash over Sony's news.
