Perhaps the biggest reveal at this year’s Game Awards was the Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s next entry into its illustrious line of consoles. While fully revealing the system at an event not just dedicated to the Xbox brand is a bold, and in a way admirable, move, there are still plenty of questions that fans have about the console. Among the many questions currently circulating the internet is whether or not there will be a disc-less version of the console. While Microsoft hasn’t revealed anything quite yet, there’s certainly a compelling argument for an all-digital version of the next-gen system.
The idea of an all-digital version of the Xbox Series X isn’t too far fetched.Microsoft’s next-gen console will actually just be called “Xbox”, though the edition of “Series X” implies that there will be more than one console entering the lineup. While they may not be available at launch, it doesn’t seem out of the question that Microsoft would do a more powerful version of the console somewhere down the line, along with smaller, or disc-less versions. Not to mention, the precedent has now been set by the Xbox One S All-Digital edition, Microsoft’s current generation console without a slot for discs.
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Physical games are here to stay. That much is, frankly, true. There are just too many areas around the world that lack an internet connection, or an internet connection strong enough to download massive games, for physical games to completely disappear. That being said, digital game sales are continually on the rise. The growth of digital game sales is even responsible forGameStop’s financial woes, or at least a primary contributing factor. To put it simply, fewer and fewer people are actually in a situation that requires a physical drive for discs, and as time progresses, more people will find themselves in the same position. For those people, spending the extra money for a disc drive simply doesn’t make sense.
But even beyond the rapid growth of digital games, there are multiple reasons that justify the existence of a disc-less Xbox Series X.Microsoft has made it clear that it sees the future of its company as a sort of Netflix for gamesthanks to its upcoming Project xCloud service. With that service likely releasing at some point during the next generation of consoles, one of the best possible moves Microsoft could make would be shipping xCloud with the Series X when it releases, especially with a disc-less version of the console, which may be enough to convince holdouts to give game streaming a shot.
Now thatGoogle Stadia has left a sour taste in many streaming hopeful’s mouths, it’ll be exceptionally difficult for Microsoft to woo a solid user base to the service. But, if a disc-less version of the console was to come with a free trial of xCloud, it may be enough to help get it off the ground, making it a win-win for both Microsoft and its customers. Not only that, but it may be enough to end the negative stigma streaming games has earned over the past few months, assuming xCloud works well.
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If Microsoft was to follow in the footsteps of the Xbox One S All-Digital, the disc-less Series X would also cost less than the standard version of the system while still offering the same next-gen specs that gamers are looking for. That’s a pretty massive advantage to have for the next generation, as public sentiment is sure to begin to shift and have a more positive view of digital-only consoles. Plus,Game Pass, Xbox’s current game subscription service, is now fundamentally ingrained in the company’s DNA. A digital Series X makes sense as more and more emphasis is put on Game Pass for the Xbox brand.
There are those quick to dismiss the idea of an all-digital console simply because it isn’t for them. It’s important to remember that for some, digital games aren’t a deal-breaker, and the lowered cost of an exclusively digital console may be the difference between upgrading and not upgrading. If a disc-less Series X means more people can upgrade, then more people can buy new games, and that’s ultimately a vital thing for the industry. Lowering barriers to entry is key to maintaining a healthy games industry, and disc-less consoles are a crucial step in that process. It ensures better game sales, which in turn means more games.
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