Following various rumors, Microsoft announced this Wednesday, August 26th, that Xbox users will have the ability to generate digital copies of games purchased in physical format. The company emphasizes that this action is part of its commitment to ensuring game preservation.
Preliminary tests of the conversion tool, named Disc-to-Digital, began in July of this year. Currently, Microsoft is extending this initiative to open testing, allowing participation from users registered in the Xbox Insider program.
Jason Ronald, Vice President of Future Generation for Xbox, stated that this move is part of a larger commitment to game conservation. He explained that given the constant advancement of technology, consoles, and distribution methods, maintaining access to games that consumers already own has become crucial.
In this initial phase, the tool will function exclusively for titles intended for Xbox One and Xbox Series X. There is no available information regarding the next generation of the console, dubbed Project Helix, as there is no confirmation yet about this device's support for physical media.
Microsoft assures that, at least initially, the vast majority of disc games for Xbox One and Xbox Series X are compatible with this new feature. To access the digital copies, the player must insert the physical media into an Xbox One or Xbox Series X and start the game to trigger the process of redeeming the title's digital right.
It is important to note, however, that the generated digital copy remains tied to its respective physical media. If this media is used on another account or if the player chooses to use an account different from the original to play with the disc, the corresponding digital right will also be transferred.
Although the disc game continues to operate normally, the digital version will allow the user to take advantage of features such as Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming, whenever these are available.
The tests of the Disc-to-Digital tool will begin with Xbox Insider members on August 31, 2026. The availability of the tool to a larger number of players will occur gradually as the tests progress.