Xbox is launching a disc-to-digital feature that converts Xbox One physical discs into digital copies. Players insert a disc into the drive and receive a digital license. Microsoft announced the feature in August 2025, and according to archynewsy.com, it has been in testing among Xbox Insiders since September.
The feature stems from a 2011 decision when Microsoft began exploring digital ownership of Xbox games. Plans at the time included digital gifting, game recycling, and exchanging discs for digital versions. Microsoft embedded unique serial numbers into Xbox One discs.
The origins of the disc-to-digital feature date back to 2011
The Xbox One was originally intended to be always online to enable digital game sharing. Microsoft backtracked after negative reactions during its 2013 launch. According to Kotaku, disc printing changed in 2013, while The Verge and Wilson's Media cite 2011-before the Xbox One's release.
Limitations of the feature
Not all Xbox One discs will work. Early discs lack a unique identifier. Microsoft warned testers that“it all depends on how and when the disc was manufactured and may not have the features we need for this program.” Slightly damaged discs may also cause issues, even if the game otherwise runs.
Publishers must agree to participate, and most have joined, including Ubisoft, according to The Verge. Once a license is tied to an account, the disc is no longer needed, and games will display a disc-to-digital icon, as reported by archynewsy.com.
Sony unlikely to replicate the feature
Sony cannot easily replicate the feature unless it added metadata to its discs, according to The Verge. Sony announced the end of PlayStation discs in 2028.
Preserving games as a priority
In the same year, Microsoft is migrating Xbox and Xbox 360 games to PC. Game preservation is part of Project Helix, the next Xbox designed to support all Xbox games. Original Xbox and Xbox 360 discs are excluded from the program, and losing the disc after conversion revokes the user’s license, adds archynewsy.com.