Microsoft Weighed Disc Support for Next Xbox Before 2028 Sony Cutoff
Updated
Updated · GAMINGbible · Aug 2
Microsoft Weighed Disc Support for Next Xbox Before 2028 Sony Cutoff
3 articles · Updated · GAMINGbible · Aug 2
Summary
Digital Foundry's John Linneman said Microsoft had been leaning toward keeping disc support in its next Xbox before a recent strategy reset, mainly to preserve access to players' existing game libraries.
An external drive was one option under discussion, potentially linked to a rumored disc-to-digital feature, though Linneman stressed those plans may no longer reflect Xbox's current direction.
Sony's decision to stop making physical discs for new games from January 2028 has sharpened the contrast, giving Microsoft a possible opening with players angry about losing physical ownership.
Xbox already markets backward compatibility as a strength—Series X can run some original Xbox-era discs—while backlash to Sony's move has spilled across social media and into a planned Aug. 23-30 PlayStation blackout.