Sony confirmed in July 2026 that it will stop producing physical discs for all new PlayStation games starting in January 2028. New titles will be available only in digital formats through the PlayStation Store and retailers. Existing games and those released before the cutoff can still have discs reordered by publishers. Sony cited shifting consumer preferences toward digital media.
At the same time, Microsoft is preparing a response for Xbox players. The company has been testing a disc-to-digital feature (also called Disc2Digital or Positron). Recent reports and leaked roadmaps point to a possible public rollout in August 2026.
How the Feature Works
Players insert a compatible Xbox One or Xbox Series X disc into a console while signed into a Microsoft account. After installing and launching the game, the system grants a digital entitlement. This allows full digital play without the disc. Supported games also unlock Xbox Cloud Gaming (with Game Pass) and Xbox Play Anywhere on PC where available.
The digital license stays tied to the specific disc. If the disc is sold, traded, or used by another account, the entitlement transfers to the new owner. The original player loses digital access. Discs continue to work after conversion. Multi-disc titles, bundles, and included DLC are expected to convert fully.
Limitations
Only Xbox One and Series X discs qualify. Original Xbox and Xbox 360 discs are not supported. Some early Xbox One discs may fail due to manufacturing differences. Xbox Series S users cannot use the feature because that console has no disc drive. Publishers may choose which titles participate.
Why Disc-to-Digital Matters
This approach gives Xbox owners a practical way to move their physical libraries into the digital era. It preserves some resale and lending value because the license moves with the disc. It also protects against scratched or unreadable discs while adding cloud and multi-device benefits.
Similar conversion ideas appeared in movie services years ago, letting owners redeem physical discs for digital copies. In gaming, Xbox’s version stands out by handling the process directly on the console.
As digital sales dominate and next-generation consoles may drop disc drives, Microsoft’s feature offers a bridge for existing collections. Sony’s decision speeds the industry shift. Xbox’s tool aims to ease that transition for its players with large disc libraries of Xbox One and Series titles.
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