According to new reports, Xbox may be moving way from physical media with a console currently known as Project Helix.
Windows Central revealed that its sources say that Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox, will not feature a disc drive. No further details were provided, but the news came after PlayStation revealed it will no longer be producing or supporting physical game discs starting in January 2028. This suggests that the PlayStation 6 won’t come with a disc drive, and that Sony is planning to embrace an all-digital future.
The Verge added onto the news cycle by reporting that Microsoft is exploring a new disc-to-digital feature. This would allow users to put a disc into their console and gain a digital license for the game, giving them the ability to play it without a disc. If the owner gives the disc to someone else, that entitlement then transfers to the new player. This essentially means you can’t resell or loan your physical copy to a friend if you want to keep the digital version. The discs will still work as normal if you choose not to digitize it.
The report also notes that this will only apply to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S games. Original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles will not be supported with this feature. The Verge was unable to speak to rumors of whether or not Project Helix will have a disc drive, but speculated that this new feature may be a way for users to start preparing for an all-digital Xbox. If players want the next version of the console, they may be able to start digitizing their library on their current one.
This generation, console manufacturers gave players the choice on how they buy their games. If you are uninterested in discs, you can buy digital-only variants of both Xbox Series X and PS5. However, you can also buy a console with a disc drive included, or in the case of the PS5, buy an attachable disc drive for the digital-only variant of the console. Although it’s certainly possible that future consoles could have an optional disc drive to support physical backward compatible titles, it’s hardly a guarantee at this point.
As of right now, Xbox has yet to make any official comment or stance on the future of physical media. Microsoft has confirmed that it will share more about Project Helix later in the year, though it’s unclear how detailed those details will be. It’s expected that both consoles will release next year, though there are concerns over the viability of that, given the cost to produce these pieces of hardware.
Ultimately, with pricing, lack of options for physical media fans, and an overall feeling that this generation hasn’t even reached its full potential, the next-generation is sounding rather unattractive. Perhaps there’s a way to hook players in with the next line of consoles, but right now, it’s becoming an increasingly harder sell.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s news team. He covers all things entertainment, including gaming, film, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.
