Microsoft plans Xbox Disc to Digital rollout in August

Microsoft is preparing to launch a program that would allow Xbox owners to convert their physical game discs into digital licenses, according to a leaked internal roadmap. The initiative, known as Disc to Digital, is reportedly targeting a rollout this month, following a delayed beta test. The leaked plans also outline a significant expansion of Microsoft's backwards compatibility efforts, aiming to bring original Xbox games to PC later this year and Xbox 360 titles to new platforms starting in 2027.

The Disc to Digital program would enable owners of Xbox One or Xbox Series X consoles with optical drives to insert a supported game disc. The system would then generate a digital license tied to both the user's account and that specific physical disc. This would allow the game to be played without the disc inserted and accessed on disc-free devices like the Xbox Series S, while also supporting features like Cloud Gaming and Play Anywhere for PC versions.

A key detail of the system addresses the resale of physical media. The digital entitlement is designed to transfer with the disc if it is sold or traded, revoking access from the previous owner's account. This mechanism is intended...