Xbox’s Disc-To-Digital Program Means Microsoft Is Probably Done With Discs Too

Despite mixed messages when it comes to when we can expect the next PlayStation and Xbox, one aspect about the next generation seems to be clearer than ever: Discs are going away. Earlier this year, Sony announced that it would be ending physical disc production for all PlayStation games launching after January 2028, confirming that the company's next console will almost certainly be digital-only. Microsoft hasn't made as strong a statement yet, instead opting to introduce a program allowing Xbox owners to convert some of their physical games into perpetual digital licenses. But it's a program that would not need to exist if the next Xbox was being designed with a disc drive in mind. Despite some confusion around the initial reveal, Xbox's disc-to-digital program is simple on the surface. Instead of requiring a disc to be in your console to play (since all games are downloaded or streamed now regardless), the program will let you register this disc to your account and allow you to access it across all supported platforms, no longer needing the disc to do so. This means you'll have digital access to supported games across Xbox, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, and presumably whatever Mic…