Xbox has officially revealed a new disc-to-digital program that will enable players to add physical copies of their games to a digital library. The program is set to launch on August 31.
Jason Ronald, Xbox VP Next Generation, announced the feature, stating, "Today we are introducing a feature that brings the benefits of digital to physical discs, giving players more flexibility in how they access and play supported games across the Xbox ecosystem." He added that this initiative is part of a broader commitment to game preservation, emphasizing its importance as technology and distribution methods evolve.
The feature will initially be available to players enrolled in the Xbox Insider program for testing. Most Xbox One and Xbox Series X disc-based games are expected to be supported. Players will be able to claim a digital copy by inserting the physical disc into their console and launching the game.
Once a digital copy is claimed, players will gain access to digital-exclusive features such as Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming, provided the specific game supports them. The original physical disc will remain functional even after the digital version has been claimed. The program will launch with support for thousands of titles, with plans to add more over time.
This move by Xbox arrives as Sony prepares to end the production of physical discs by 2028, signaling a significant industry shift towards digital distribution. The disc-to-digital feature is the latest development under Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's strategic direction, which includes a renewed focus on console exclusivity and major franchises, alongside significant company restructuring and layoffs.