Following Sony's announcement that it will eliminate physical game discs from the PlayStation platform after 2028, rumors are circulating that Microsoft's Xbox may adopt a similar approach with its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix. According to a report from The Verge, Xbox has not yet fully finalized whether Project Helix will include a disc drive, leaving the possibility that the console could be digital-only, akin to the Xbox Series S and the PS5 Digital Edition.
Xbox Reconsidering Disc Drive Inclusion
The Verge's report was corroborated by Windows Central's Jez Corden, who stated on his podcast that Xbox is reportedly reconsidering the inclusion of a disc drive in Project Helix. "I went and tried to update my information, and it does seem like indeed - they are trying to figure out what they can do here before they fully commit to the death of physical discs," Corden said. This potential backtrack may be a response to the backlash Sony has faced from fans over its disc-free future.
Xbox's Response to Sony's Controversy
Last week, Xbox's Halo team mocked Sony by promising that the physical edition of Halo Campaign Evolved would include a disc, describing it as a "tangible item to add to your collection." Xbox may also explore offering an optional external disc drive for Project Helix, similar to the external drive available for the PS5 Pro.
Industry Shift Toward Digital
Sony's data for the last quarter of its financial year shows that approximately 85% of its game sales were digital, which is driving its decision to embrace an all-digital future. While comparable data for Xbox is not publicly available, the Xbox Series S—an all-digital console—is believed to account for a significant portion of the console family's sales due to its lower price point.
Project Helix as a PC/Console Hybrid
If Project Helix goes all-digital, the impact may be less severe than PlayStation's scenario because Project Helix is rumored to be a PC/console hybrid that can access multiple storefronts, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. This would give gamers the option to purchase software from various sources, unlike PlayStation, which restricts users to the PlayStation Store unless regulators such as the European Union intervene.
