Microsoft has allowed all Xbox Series X and Xbox One owners to digitize games from discs

Microsoft has announced that all owners of Xbox Series X and Xbox One consoles can now digitize games on disc using the disc-to-digital feature. It allows you to convert a collection of games on disc to digital format and run them without having to insert physical media into the console.

Image source: Xbox

With the launch of disc-to-digital functionality, all Xbox console owners now have the opportunity to obtain a digital license for their disc-based games, which will be linked to the physical media and Xbox profile.

Xbox began experimenting with the ability to digitize physical game collections as early as July this year, and launched the feature to members of the Xbox Insider program at the end of August. Disc to Digital is now available to all Xbox Series X and Xbox One owners, allowing gamers with large disc collections to get digital licenses for their games. This allows you to install and run them on any Xbox console you’re signed into.

Microsoft warnPlease note that not all Xbox One and Xbox Series X games support this feature, and the list of compatible games may change over time. The company explains that this depends on a variety of factors, including technical constraints, licensing terms, publisher rights, production considerations and other aspects. Additionally, to save a digital license, you must have access to the appropriate disk. Digital licenses may be restricted or revoked if the disc is lost, resold or given away.

While this innovation is more of a usability enhancement than a full-fledged traditional gaming strategy, it offers hope for gamers who prefer owning physical copies of games on disc rather than purchasing digital licenses from online retailers. This is especially important given Sony’s announced plans to phase out discs on PlayStation in 2028. The decision sparked fierce criticism, and the Internet began collecting signatures to cancel the innovation. In just one week after the company officially announced the news, the petition received more than 200,000 signatures. However, Sony has not given up on its decision, stating that it will proceed with caution and will stop releasing games on physical media until January 2028.