Xbox may be on the verge of launching a disc-to-digital program, according to recent leaks. If accurate, the initiative could allow players to digitize their physical game collections, with a rollout potentially beginning as early as August for Xbox One and Xbox Series X owners. Insiders have reportedly been testing the program for the past month, indicating it is nearing completion.
This development comes as the gaming industry continues its shift towards digital distribution. PlayStation has announced plans to cease disc production entirely by 2028, citing a majority of sales being digital. This trend has sparked concern among some players who value the ability to own physical copies, which allows for lending and resale, contributing to a significant secondhand market.
While Xbox has not officially commented on its long-term plans for physical media, the rumored disc-to-digital program aims to bridge the gap. The system is said to keep the game's license tied to the original physical copy, potentially enabling owners to still resell their discs after conversion. This approach seeks to offer the convenience of digital access without entirely abandoning the benefits of physical ownership.
Details emerging from the leaks, attributed to a source named eXtas1s, suggest that some game publishers might impose a fee for converting physical titles to digital. This charge could be specific to games that lack backward compatibility on current-generation Xbox consoles, such as older original Xbox titles that are not playable on Xbox Series X.
On a more positive note, the leaker also indicated that Xbox intends to continue its work on backward compatibility. This suggests that older games, even those that might require a conversion fee, could become playable on modern Xbox hardware. Players may expect an official confirmation from Xbox in the near future, as the program is allegedly slated for a public release this month.