Xbox launches disc-to-digital program starting August 31 for insiders

Microsoft has officially announced a new Xbox feature that enables players to convert their physical game discs into digital entitlements.

This move indicates the accelerating shift of the gaming industry towards an all-digital future.

Microsoft’s disc-to-digital service, which was first leaked last month, is set to roll out for testing via Xbox Insiders beginning on August 31, followed by a more general rollout in the coming months. All gamers need to do is load an Xbox One or Xbox Series X game disc into their gaming machine and start playing to activate the license.

CEO Asha Sharma said: “Your physical game library is more than a collection of discs. It holds years of memories and stories worth preserving.”

Microsoft’s disc-to-digital service, which was first leaked last month, is set to roll out for testing via Xbox Insiders beginning on August 31, followed by a more general rollout in the coming months. All gamers need to do is load an Xbox One or Xbox Series X game disc into their gaming machine and start playing to activate the license.

One claimed the digital entitlement provides all the benefits of a native digital purchase, including Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming support where available. Players can access their games across PC, mobile devices, and the ROG Ally without needing the disc.

However, the digital license is linked to that particular disc. If the user passes the disc to another player, they will lose their digital copy of the game. Those who own an Xbox Series S, which does not have a disc drive, are not included in the service.

Microsoft said “thousands” of games will be compatible when it launches, and will continue adding more. The Original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles are not included at this moment.

The announcement comes weeks after Sony announced end producing physical PlayStation game discs from 2028.

In a blog post, Microsoft said: “This is an important step toward a future where players can have greater confidence that the games they buy remain with them for years to come.”