Talking Point: Do You Think Xbox Will Release Another Disc-Based Console?
Image: Damien McFerran / Pure Xbox

Throughout this generation we've been very happy with where things are with Xbox Series X and S, but we're starting to wonder if Microsoft would ever go with a similar approach again. Of course, releasing two different consoles on day one isn't the 'normal' way to do things anyway, but more specifically - we're starting to question the likelihood of another disc-based Xbox console at all.

What's sparked all of this, you ask? Well, rumour number one in Xbox's controller revision is intrinsically linked to codename 'Brooklin' - an all-digital Xbox Series X refresh rumoured to be in the works. Rumour number two — about Starfield being pulled from Walmart shelves — is another pointer towards Microsoft's digital future, powered by Xbox Game Pass. Are these both hints at what's to come from Xbox?

Now, it should be said that both of these are rumours at the moment and without official confirmation we can't be sure what will actually happen. Having said that, Microsoft is clearly moving in a digital direction with its focus on PC, Game Pass, cloud streaming and digital console gaming on Xbox Series S. So, will the current Xbox Series X model be Microsoft's final disc-based system?

The more scenarios like these that crop up, the more likely we think an all-digital could be. It's safe to say we have a few years of the current console generation left, and in that time things will only end up becoming more digital-oriented. If Microsoft has its way, Game Pass will be even bigger by then too with Activision Blizzard games starting to come to the library in 2024.

From our perspective, we'd like Xbox to go with a disc-based console in some fashion for at least another generation. We have loads of disc games still, especially when it comes to backwards compatible stuff across OG Xbox and Xbox 360. Disc drives also provide that extra safety net for when games get removed from the Xbox store and physical copies are the only way to access those titles!

In a feature earlier this month I posed the question of whether Xbox will eventually leave the console business entirely, and your votes were quite varied in the accompanying poll. We're curious what you think about this whole disc-based conundrum while Microsoft does remain in the console biz though.

So, please, come vote again and tell us what you think!

Will Xbox Make Another Disc-Based Console? (881 votes)

  1. Yep, Microsoft will always cater to physical media fans in some way.%
  2. This generation they'll support discs, and any Series X refreshes will have a disc tray.%
  3. Unlikely - I think the current Xbox Series X model is the last one!%
  4. No chance, we must accept our new digital overlords with Xbox Series S and beyond!%