Project Helix, Microsoft's Next-Generation Console, Is Not Expected to Include a Disc Drive

Following Sony's announcement that the company will stop producing physical disc-based video games starting from 2028, their direct competitor Microsoft is preparing to make a similar move with its next-generation console, Project Helix, which was officially unveiled earlier this year.

Reliable gaming journalist Jez Corden from Windows Central published a new blog in which he stated, citing several sources, that Microsoft does not plan to include a disc drive in its new console, Project Helix. This means the device will support only digital versions of video games. After the abovementioned Sony’s announcement, there has been speculation that it could be related to the PlayStation 6 also shifting to a fully digital model. Considering that, according to Corden, Project Helix will follow the same approach, this seems very likely now, as you can check out his words below:

“All of this does raise the question of whether the next generation of consoles will even include a disc drive on the PlayStation 6, and I think it’s a pretty clear: no. As things stand, I'd be surprised if Sony even offered an optional external disc drive. As for Project Helix, our sources also suggest that Microsoft's next-generation console will drop the disc drive, too.”

Additionally, The Verge reported that Microsoft is testing a Disc-to-Digital feature, which will allow players to convert physical copies of their video games into digital versions. After completing certain steps and linking process, the games are expected to run without needing the physical disc. The launch for Disc-to-Digital is currently unknown, as various tests are reportedly underway by Microsoft.

It's also important to mention that Sony’s decision to stop releasing games on discs sparked a wave of negative reactions not only from fans but also from various gaming journalists and insiders—including Tom Henderson, who stated that, due to other factors, he “feels incredibly numb”.

What do you think about Sony's decision, now followed by Microsoft, to stop releasing video games on discs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!