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The end of videogame discs might be closer than we think. Microsoft seems determined to bury the physical format bit by bit… and the community is on fire. Are Xbox physical games really going away? What is Microsoft saying (and not saying)? We break it down here.
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What’s Going on with Xbox Physical Games?
Your most awaited title finally launches, you head to the store all excited and… they hand you a code. And that’s it.
This is happening with some new Xbox games, like The Outer Worlds 2 or Gears of War: Reloaded. They come out in a “physical” version… but inside the box there’s only a download code. No trace of a disc. Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 versions still include the good old disc.
Jez Corden, editor at Windows Central, put it bluntly:
“Microsoft has also shut down departments dedicated to bringing Xbox games to physical retail … which if you’ve seen the digital-only Xbox console leaks … well, you can get an idea of where Microsoft is going here.”
And yes, it sounds like what it sounds like: Xbox’s future looks digital or nothing.
Microsoft Says it’s Not Their Strategy… but Doesn’t Really Deny it
Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, tried to calm things down in a recent interview:
“Getting rid of physical media is not a strategy for us. […] We are supportive of physical media, but we don’t have a need to drive that disproportionate to customer demand.”
Loose translation: if the market keeps buying digital, Microsoft won’t lift a finger to keep Xbox physical games alive.
Gamers Aren’t Taking it Well
The reaction across social media and forums has been pure frustration. Thousands of fans feel they’re being sold thin air, and that empty boxes are just a fancy way of hiding the inevitable.
On Reddit, in fact, the debate has been heated for months. Exhibit A…
Why would Microsoft Want to Phase Out Xbox Physical Games?
Well, it’s pretty obvious…
- Lower costs for production and distribution.
- Tighter control over licenses and downloads.
- Setting the stage for future disc-less consoles.
- Insert your favorite conspiracy theory here.
In short, going digital leaves the board squeaky clean for whatever they want next.
But it’s Not All Over Yet for Xbox Physical Games…
Microsoft says they’ll keep the physical format if players keep buying it. Some releases have even backtracked and will include discs again after the backlash.
The problem is many fear it’s only a matter of time: first the disc disappears, then the manual… and finally the case.
If the Future is Digital, Do it Your Way 🎮
If Microsoft goes all-in on digital, you should still control what you spend and where. On doctorSIM you can buy your favorite gaming gift cards and keep playing without limits—no waiting for anything physical.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: access Game Pass, day-one titles, and more.
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The Old-school Video Game Might be Sinking… but You don’t Have to
The physical format may be in danger, sure, but your desire to play shouldn’t be. While the big companies decide what’s next, you can still enjoy your favorite titles. Instantly, with zero empty boxes, zero “out of stock”, zero drama. You choose when and how.
Head to doctorSIM, grab your gift card for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam, The Sims 4—or whichever you want—and keep playing your way. If the future is going to be digital, fine… but make sure it’s yours.
