Microsoft launches disc-to-digital conversion for Xbox Insiders
Microsoft's new disc-to-digital feature, codenamed "Positron," will allow Xbox Insiders to redeem digital copies of compatible physical games starting Monday, initially supporting thousands of titles.
Microsoft announced that its long-awaited disc-to-digital conversion tool will become available to Xbox Insiders on Monday. Codenamed "Positron," the feature works on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles equipped with a disc drive. Users insert a compatible physical game disc and are prompted to claim a digital version, which includes Xbox Play Anywhere, cloud gaming and family-sharing benefits. The digital license remains linked to the disc, so transferring the disc to another user also transfers the license.
The rollout will initially cover "thousands" of games that run on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, with Microsoft planning to add more titles over time. Older Xbox and Xbox 360 discs are not supported because they lack the necessary digital identifiers. The company has not indicated whether similar functionality will appear on PlayStation consoles.
"If you sell or give the disc away, the digital license will then transfer to the Microsoft Account of the new user," a Microsoft spokesperson explained.
The move comes as the industry shifts away from optical disc drives, with Microsoft also expanding Xbox game emulation on PC. Analysts note the feature could ease the transition for players with existing physical collections as the market moves toward digital distribution.