Leaked document suggests Microsoft's rumored 'disc-to-digital' feature will roll out this month and allow users to play the Xbox 360 catalogue on Project Helix

Microsoft is reportedly planning to extend compatibility to Xbox 360 games on both PC and the upcoming next-generation Xbox devices, with a phased rollout anticipated between 2027 and 2028. In addition, a separate disc-to-digital program will be introduced, granting players transferable digital licenses tied to their physical Xbox discs, thus enabling reselling or trading of these games.

According to The Verge, developers have the option to choose whether to make their Xbox 360 games backward compatible and can control aspects such as pricing and availability on Game Pass. The feature is projected to gradually roll out across next-gen devices from 2027 to 2028, with the full launch of original Xbox games on PC scheduled for October 2026.

Initially, only four games were included in the program announced in July. The document also outlines a method for players to obtain a digital version of a game they already own on a physical disc, which grants a digital license bound to that disc and the player's account. This license remains with the player across Xbox devices, but if the disc changes hands, the license transfers to the new owner.

Consequently, gamers can continue to trade and sell discs; once the original disc owner sells it, they lose access to the digital version obtained from that disc. The Verge's Tom Warren reported on this in July, detailing that a public beta for the disc-to-digital program began in July with a general availability expected in August, though the timeline for August general availability remains uncertain.