Xbox tests disc-to-digital feature for physical game collections

Microsoft is reportedly testing a new disc-to-digital feature that would allow Xbox players to convert eligible physical game collections into digital licences, potentially paving the way for future Xbox consoles with less reliance on disc drives.

According to a report, the feature is currently being tested internally by Xbox employees after references to "enable Disc2Digital" were discovered in the Xbox PC app code earlier this year.

The reported system would support Xbox One and Xbox Series X game discs but would not be compatible with games released for the Xbox 360 or the original Xbox.

The feature is said to work by requiring players to insert a compatible game disc into an Xbox console while signed in with a Microsoft account. After installation and verification, a digital entitlement would reportedly be created for that physical copy of the game.

Unlike a standard digital purchase, the entitlement would remain linked to the physical disc itself. According to the report, if the disc is sold, loaned to another player or used with a different Xbox profile, the digital entitlement would transfer alongside the disc.

The report also states that digitised games would offer the same benefits as digitally purchased titles. If a game is included in Xbox Cloud Gaming and the user has an Xbox Game Pass subscription, it could be streamed.

Titles that support Xbox Play Anywhere would also become accessible on compatible PCs and handheld devices.

Microsoft is reportedly testing support for bundled console games, multi-disc releases and downloadable content included with eligible discs. However, some Xbox One discs may not qualify because of differences in how they were manufactured.