A new report claims Microsoft is preparing to launch its long-rumored Xbox disc-to-digital program later this month, potentially giving owners of eligible physical Xbox games a way to convert them into digital licenses. However, Microsoft has not officially announced the feature yet, so the details remain based on leaked documents and reporting.
According to the leaked roadmap:
- The feature is expected to support Xbox One and Xbox Series X physical game discs.
- After verifying ownership, the system would reportedly create a digital license tied to the user's Microsoft account while still associating it with the original disc.
- The license is also said to transfer if the physical disc is sold or traded, helping prevent duplicate ownership.
The leaked documents also outline Microsoft's broader backward compatibility plans:
- Original Xbox games are reportedly coming to PC later in 2026.
- Xbox 360 titles could gradually expand to PC and future Xbox hardware beginning in 2027, depending on publisher participation.
- These initiatives appear to be part of Microsoft's long-term strategy to unify Xbox and Windows gaming while reducing reliance on physical media.
It's worth noting that a public beta was reportedly planned for July but delayed, with general availability now expected in August if the leaked timeline is accurate. Until Microsoft makes an official announcement, the launch window and exact functionality should be treated as unconfirmed.