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Microsoft is working on a new backwards compatibility feature for Xbox that will allow players to convert eligible physical discs into digital licences. This new programme will first roll out to Insiders as part of the Xbox Insider Program.
Players will be able to continue playing physical games they own purely digitally, while still keeping their physical copy. The disc-to-digital programme will launch on Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles that have a disc drive.
To redeem a digital licence, all a player needs to do is insert a game disc that supports the new feature into their console. The Xbox will automatically add the digital version of that game to their account.
Players will still retain all the benefits that came with the physical version of the game, such as Xbox Play Anywhere support and cloud gaming capability.
So, How Does It Work?
Microsoft has developed this new feature to allow players to go from physical games to digital licenses as painless as possible. All they’ll need to do is insert the physical disc into their Xbox One or Xbox Series X console and Xbox will issue the digital licence to their account. From there, players will be able to download and play the digital version without having to purchase the game a second time.
Right now, the feature will be available to:
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X owners who purchased a console with a disc drive
- Insiders
Microsoft went on to clarify that players will receive the same benefits from the digital version of the game that they would from the physical one. For example, if the physical game supports Xbox Play Anywhere, players will be able to take those benefits with the digital version.
What Happens If You Sell the Disc?
Now this is where things get really interesting. As mentioned, when you sell your physical disc that you digitally redeemed, the digital licence will be moved over to that person’s account.
Essentially, the digital licence is tied to the physical product. Once you sell it, the digital licence moves with it. This means that players won’t technically own two copies of the same game. Instead, they will be able to swap between physical and digital copies at will.
Microsoft has yet to share a timeline on when we can expect this feature to launch for Xbox users who are not in the Insider programme. Hopefully, they’ll have it figured out soon and we’ll see the feature available to the masses soon.
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