Xbox announces disc-to-digital feature that lets you digitise physical Xbox One and Series X games

Microsoft has announced a disc-to-digital feature that allows Xbox One and Series X owners to convert their physical game discs into digital copies at no cost. The feature, which rolls out to Xbox Insiders on August 31st, will initially support approximately 1,000 titles, with more games being added over time. Digital copies obtained through the program will include access to Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Play Anywhere capabilities where supported.

The company frames the initiative as part of a “broader commitment to game preservation,” acknowledging that players have built substantial libraries through both physical and digital purchases over decades. A notable aspect of the program is that the digital license transfers with the physical disc, allowing the next owner to also utilize the disc-to-digital feature—addressing concerns about game ownership and preservation.

The announcement comes as a counterpoint to Sony’s recent decision to discontinue PlayStation disc production for new titles beginning January 2028, signaling a shift toward an all-digital future for the gaming industry. Microsoft’s approach preserves player choice and access to existing physical libraries, contrasting with Sony’s more aggressive transition to digital-only distribution.

The feature has garnered praise from industry figures, including former PlayStation Studios President Shuhei Yoshida, who called it “a great move by team Xbox.” The program represents Microsoft’s positioning as the player-friendly alternative during an industry transition toward digital gaming while maintaining respect for existing physical game collections.

Xbox announces disc-to-digital feature that lets you digitise physical Xbox One and Series X games

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