Next-gen Xbox is ditching the built-in disc drive

According to the rumors circulating in the gaming community, the next-generation Xbox console may follow in the footsteps of the PS5.

In order to make it slim, the console is ditching the built-in disc drive, which means users will have to buy it separately.

This move aligns with Microsoft’s mission for an all-digital Xbox future, with an affordable Series S with no disc drive and an Xbox Game Pass subscription service expanding its library.

According to sources from MAGG

The next-gen Xbox console will be an all-digital console

Looks like Microsoft is taking a page from Sony’s PS5 playbook and will have an external panel for attaching/removing the hard drive, which means you can get your hands on the console at a lower price.

Microsoft used the dual-console approach with the current Xbox generation with the cheaper Series S and mighty Series X.

However, this time, the Redmond tech giant will release a single console with no hard disk in a strategic move to lower the price without compromising on power.

If we talk about the current Xbox generation, the Series S is undoubtedly easier on the pocket, but as it has lower power, the developers faced challenges, causing delays in projects like the Xbox port of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Therefore, releasing one powerful console can help streamline game development, offering a robust platform for developers.

However, Xbox’s commitment to backward compatibility, which lets users play classic hits from previous-generation consoles, might not be possible in the next-generation Xbox, lacking a disc drive. This is because a disc drive is necessary for gamers with physical game collections to access their old libraries on the next-gen console.

In spite of all these factors, if the next-gen Xbox does not have a disc drive, then it is indeed a step towards an all-digital future.

This will be convenient and affordable for many and has an aesthetic appeal to it, but physical media is important for preserving games.

Therefore, no matter how revolutionary this decision could be, Microsoft might face backlash from some people from the gaming community.

What do you think about an Xbox without a disc drive? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.