Report: Xbox Not Abandoning Physical Games as Microsoft Seeks Solution for Next Generation

A new job listing for an Xbox physical games supply specialist suggests Microsoft does not plan to abandon physical games in the next Xbox generation. The company may also be looking for a replacement for Blu-ray discs for Project Helix.

Microsoft likely intends to keep physical game editions on the next Xbox. For Project Helix, it may consider an alternative to Blu-ray discs, such as the cartridges used by Nintendo Switch.

The listing points to this only indirectly. The future employee will be responsible for physical releases, global distribution, inventory planning, and working with retailers. This may indicate that Microsoft does not intend to drop boxed games entirely.

After the recent Disc-to-Digital initiative, the company appears to see a chance to win over players who are unhappy with Sony’s approach to physical media. A Blu-ray drive in Project Helix is currently unconfirmed. Windows Central suggests Microsoft may be exploring other options, including the cartridges used by Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

For now, this is only speculation. Microsoft has not officially announced plans to release games on cartridges.