According to insider reports, Xbox will launch its disc-to-digital system, codenamed "Project Positron," as early as next week. Microsoft is thus directly responding to Sony's plans to completely eliminate physical games from 2028 onward.
License transfer instead of plastic waste
The system is apparently known internally as Project Positron. Players insert a supported Xbox One or Xbox Series X disc into the drive, permanently converting the physical game into a digital license for their Microsoft account. No more annoying disc swapping. Sounds almost too good to be true. But maybe it isn't.
The most important news for the used market: Reselling will work. While the digital license will be permanently linked to the activating account, it can be transferred to another Microsoft account when the physical disc is sold. Whoever gives away the disc will therefore lose digital access. A clever compromise. Microsoft is thus saving the used market in a purely digital future.
The rumors stem from a delayed update to the Xbox Insider Program. Brad Rossetti hinted that the wait will be worthwhile. Insider Jez Corden laid He then confirmed it with a brief "Positron commeth". Nothing is official yet. However, the signs are becoming increasingly clear.
Project Positron could fundamentally change the way we own console games. It takes away the biggest fear of a purely digital future: the loss of ownership and the secondhand market. A damn strong move by Microsoft in their fierce battle against Sony.
What do you think: Would you immediately digitize your entire physical game collection if resale via the disc remains guaranteed, or do you absolutely need the case on your shelf?
Sounds promising, but also too good to be true. While Xbox has to fight for every customer to settle into its ecosystem, Sony sits on its high horse and remains silent about the current backlash. The topic of license trading would certainly be a welcome feature for many. I also support it because the used game market is important, especially for those who don't have 80-100 euros to spare per game.
However, it's also worth noting that 2028 is still a ways off, and Sony will either jump on the bandwagon then or do nothing at all. I also find the current discussion surrounding consumer rights with digital media questionable and unfairly interpreted. I don't think the final word has been spoken on this matter.
I'd support the top option, why not? But it doesn't really matter to me. I own every console ever made and I don't care about backwards compatibility. Since I've experienced every console generation from every manufacturer, I can still play all the games I like. So far, everything's working as usual for me. Let them do what they want.
The fact that Xbox is launching a disc-to-digital conversion program means they will also go digital in the future. All that's missing is Nintendo with their next generation, then they'll all be digital.
Well... I don't care what Xbox brings next ^^ I've cancelled my Game Pass and I'm selling my console and discs.
And then bought a PS? Not any better 😅