Xbox reportedly wanted disc support on Project Helix console as advantage over PS6

Amid protests over PlayStation's move away from physical games, some fans recognize an opening for Microsoft. A rumor suggests it may already have planned to continue disc support on new Xbox consoles. Project Helix could ship with an optical drive, while the PS6 is all-digital.

Is Microsoft a disc defender?

Digital Foundry’s John Linneman made the claim on a recent podcast. The caveat is that sources shared the information before Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reset the struggling gaming business. Nevertheless, there are reasons why she might prioritize physical discs in the next generation.

Sony stands to boost revenue by embracing an exclusively digital age. Given its rival’s declining profits, it would seem wise for Microsoft to follow. Even so, according to Linneman, the motivation to differentiate itself was not related to retail sales. Instead, the company wanted to “ensure that all your Xbox games were still playable on new Xboxes.”

Backward compatibility has been an advantage for current Xbox consoles over the PS4 and PS5. Most recently, it brought original Xbox titles to PCs through its app without cloud streaming. Accessible titles may also feature selections from the 360 era. Meanwhile, PS3 support is sporadic on PlayStation hardware.

The best of both worlds

There are various ways that developers could accommodate physical games on the Project Helix release date. Reputable insiders have leaked rumblings of a disc-to-digital program. Gamers convert their tangible media into digital licenses tied to Microsoft accounts and can still sell the Blu-rays later.

Linneman thinks that an external optical drive is likely for the new Xbox console. What’s more debatable is whether gamers will see future games printed on discs. Doubters would point out that many Series X releases contain minimal data, forcing downloads. As titles grow larger, their limited storage capacity becomes a greater concern.

Despite these obstacles, the Digital Foundry journalist makes a bold prediction. Focused on backward compatibility, Project Helix could welcome physical game advocates, as “Sony just completely cuts people off” with the PS6.