With Sony signalling the end of physical disc production, rumours are swirling that Microsoft might also ditch the optical drive in its next console.

This news has been circulating across various outlets like Windows Central and The Verge. According to these reports, the upcoming console currently in development, codenamed 'Project Helix', is slated to ship without a disc drive.

Furthermore, Microsoft is reportedly working on a method to digitise the physical discs users already own. This feature would allow owners of Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles to authenticate their physical media and receive digital rights, meaning they wouldn't need to keep inserting the disc to launch a game. Do note, however, that legacy discs from the Xbox 360 or the original Xbox era are excluded from this initiative.

While Microsoft has maintained a wall of silence regarding the total cessation of disc production, it is understood that the decision on whether to include a drive in 'Project Helix' hasn't been finalised. The exact launch window for this next-gen hardware remains a mystery, though Microsoft did mention back at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2026 that they plan to distribute alpha development kits by 2027.