Microsoft Reportedly Developing Technology to Convert Discs Into Digital Xbox Games

Xbox has launched the Disc-to-Digital feature in the Xbox Insider testing program, turning Xbox One and Xbox Series X game discs into digital licenses. This works even for thousands of games that have already been delisted from sale.

Xbox is testing the Disc-to-Digital feature, which lets players convert a compatible physical game disc into a digital license. This even works with games that have been pulled from stores.

The feature has appeared in the Xbox Insider testing program. A player simply inserts a compatible Xbox One or Xbox Series X game disc to receive a digital license that functions just like a purchase made in the Xbox store.

The physical disc remains fully operational. The digital license allows the game to be launched on multiple Xbox devices, including the disc-free Series S. For games that support Xbox Play Anywhere, a PC version and streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming are also available.

Most unexpectedly, Disc-to-Digital also works with delisted games. Players have confirmed this for Deadpool, F1 2021, Minecraft: Story Mode, Rock Band 4, and Titanfall.

At launch, the feature covers thousands of games, though not all discs are supported yet. Microsoft explains that this requires publisher participation and promises to expand the list of compatible games over time.