Microsoft has announced a disc-to-digital feature for supported Xbox One and Xbox Series X games, allowing owners to claim a digital licence after inserting a physical disc. It is intended to let players access purchased games without repeatedly using the disc, while supporting Microsoft’s stated game-preservation aims as the industry increasingly shifts away from physical media.

Testing begins for Xbox Insiders on 31 August, initially covering thousands of titles, with most disc-based Xbox One and Series X games expected to qualify. Claimed games can gain digital benefits such as PC Play Anywhere and cloud streaming where available, while the original disc can still be sold or traded; earlier reporting said the digital licence would then be revoked so a new owner could claim it. The announcement comes amid concern over declining disc support, including Sony’s reported plan to end PlayStation disc manufacturing in January 2028.