Xbox plans “disc-to-digital” feature to digitize game libraries

Microsoft’s testing a “disc-to-digital” feature to save physical game libraries

Following Sony’s confirmation that it plans to stop releasing new disc-based PlayStation games in 2028, a new report claims that Microsoft is developing a method to preserve physical game libraries. Microsoft is reportedly planning to abandon game discs, but that does not mean that physical game discs will become useless. A “Disc-to-Digital” feature is in development that will digitise physical Xbox game collections, mostly.

According to The Verge, gamers will be able to get digital copies of games by inserting compatible disks and installing and playing them. This requires an Xbox account, and digital entitlements are tied to specific game disks. This means that disc-based game entitlements will move to a new Xbox account if the same disc is used with another Xbox profile. This means that gamers will need to keep their discs as proof of ownership and cannot sell them while keeping their physical game entitlements. Digital versions will be available as game downloads on the Xbox/Microsoft Store. For Xbox Play Anywhere titles, this will also unlock a game’s PC version on the Microsoft Store.

Disc-to-digital won’t work on all Xbox games

Disc-to-digital requires compatible game discs. The system will not work on Xbox (original) or Xbox 360 games. The system is designed for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S games, which contain manufacturing data that allows it to work. Note that not all Xbox One games will work with this system, as some older games for that system will lack this data.

I’m told that Microsoft’s disc-to-digital feature will work on Xbox One and Xbox Series X discs only, and not those for the Xbox 360 or original Xbox console.

Getting a digital copy of a game works simply by inserting a compatible disc and installing and playing the game. This will require a Microsoft account on an Xbox console and will grant a digital entitlement for physical games. This digital entitlement is tied to the specific disc, and it will move from account to account if you swap the physical game with a friend or log in to a different Xbox profile and try to play a disc-based game.

– The Verge’s Tom Warren

Sony’s plan to end PlayStation disc production suggests that the PlayStation 6 will lack a disc drive. Microsoft may do the same with their next-generation Xbox “Project Helix” console. While Sony will simply leave physical games behind, Microsoft’s “disc-to-digital” system will allow gamers to carry their physical game libraries forward. However, the limitation of this system is that not all games will be compatible. Xbox, Xbox 360, and some Xbox One games will be left behind.

Xbox has not officially confirmed its “Disc-to-Digital” plans. It is a move that will undoubtedly be popular, especially given Sony’s recent announcements. Even so, a disc-free next-generation Xbox would still be disappointing. After all, Xbox’s backwards compatibility is a major selling point. Lacking disc support leaves many Xbox and Xbox 360 games behind. Not many gamers will want to repurchase them digitally. To make matters worse, some backwards-compatible Xbox games are not available digitally. This includes games such as Batman: Arkham Origins, Ace Combat 6, Driver: San Francisco, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, and several others.

You can join the discussion on Microsoft’s “Disc-To-Digital” experiments on the OC3D Forums.