Xbox’s disc drive problem might be bigger than discs themselves

Xbox just announced its disc-to-digital program is going live for Insiders on Monday, and the timing might not be as voluntary as it looks.

The program lets you turn physical games into digital licences, ones you can still pass on if you sell or give away the disc, similar to how Nintendo handles its game key cards. Thousands of eligible titles from current and past Xbox generations will be supported from launch.

But here’s the bit that actually matters. According to Jez Corden at Windows Central, sources close to the situation say Microsoft’s move isn’t really about ditching discs on principle, the way PlayStation seems to be doing. It’s about the hardware needed to read them simply disappearing.

The supply chain for optical disc drive components is reportedly collapsing, with assembly lines shifting away from the tech as more people go digital-only. In other words, Microsoft might not be steering this ship so much as reacting to one that’s already sinking.

Sony’s not quite there yet

Sony, for what it’s worth, isn’t rushing to the exit. It plans to stop producing physical media in 2028, but says it will keep supporting existing discs after that point.

So while Sony’s easing off the gas, Xbox might simply be running out of road.

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