Xbox is reportedly considering dropping disc drives as it tests new feature that lets players digitize physical games

Following Sony’s announcement that it will cease producing physical game discs for new PlayStation games in January 2028, reports indicate Microsoft is preparing for a similar transition with its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix. According to Windows Central, Project Helix will not feature a disc drive, mirroring Sony’s move toward fully digital distribution. This shift aligns with the industry’s broader trend toward digital game sales, which have increasingly dominated over physical purchases.

To ease the transition for players with existing physical game libraries, Xbox is reportedly developing a disc-to-digital feature, with testing underway since May. References to an “enable Disc2Digital” feature have appeared in Xbox PC app code, with Xbox employees actively testing the functionality.

The feature would allow players to insert a physical game disc, install it, and receive a digital entitlement tied to that specific disc when logged into their Microsoft account. The system is designed to work with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One discs, though it will not support Xbox 360 or original Xbox games. Notably, digital entitlements would remain tied to the physical disc itself, meaning if a player shares the physical copy with a friend or sells it on the secondary market, the digital entitlement would transfer along with it.

This disc-to-digital approach represents Microsoft’s solution to potential consumer friction over the elimination of physical media, allowing existing disc owners to transition their libraries to digital formats while maintaining resale capabilities for physical copies.

Xbox is reportedly considering dropping disc drives as it tests new feature that lets players digitize physical games

Sources