Xbox’s new disc-to-digital program gives physical games a digital future

For years, console gamers have been forced to choose between the ease of digital games and the durability of physical discs. Now, Xbox users will soon have the best of both worlds thanks to a new disc-to-digital initiative. The program, announced today and set to begin testing for Xbox Insiders on August 31, will allow players to convert most Xbox One and Xbox Series X disc-based games into a digital format.

By simply inserting the disc into their console and launching the game, players can claim a digital entitlement that makes the game playable without ever using the disc again, as long as the player (or a member of their family account) remains logged in.

The digital entitlement will also grant access to additional features like Xbox Play Anywhere, enabling players to enjoy the game on PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing them to stream the game from the cloud on supported titles. Microsoft has assured that the physical disc will continue to function as it always has after the digital entitlement is claimed.

However, there are some important limitations to this new program. Each game disc will only have one revokable license, meaning that if the disc is resold or loaned to a friend, the digital entitlement could be transferred to a new account when someone else inserts it into their console.