To no one’s surprise, Microsoft is apparently thinking of introducing a detachable disc drive for its Xbox Series S and X consoles. If true, this means Microsoft is borrowing a page out of Sony’s book, which recently announced a detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive for the upcoming PlayStation 5 Slim. The introduction of such a drive for the Xbox platform not only responds to gamers’ appetites for physical game versions but also enhances the adaptability and versatility of the hardware.
Sony’s disc drive attachment comes as a solution for gamers who prefer not to go entirely digital, offering a bridge that connects the digital-only and physical gaming worlds. But even as Sony was heading in this direction, initial information surrounding Microsoft’s future plans seemed to point elsewhere. Documents disclosed during the FTC vs. Microsoft case hinted at a spherical design for an upcoming Xbox Series X model, pegged for a 2024 launch. This design boasted an impressive 2TB storage but was described as being “adorably all digital.”
The curveball, however, comes with the recent claims that Microsoft hasn’t entirely forsaken disc drives. The latest word are suggesting an add-on might soon be available for Xbox consoles currently without an inbuilt disc drive. This was a recent revelation made by Shpeshal Nick during an episode of the XboxEra podcast, where he hinted at the possibility of a disc drive add-on being part of an Xbox Series X|S console refresh. Tom Warren, best known for his contributions at The Verge, chimed in, stating that Microsoft should certainly consider this move to avoid potential backlash from its consumer base.
(Rumor) Shpeshal Nick says he's heard that Xbox is going the do a disc drive add-on 💚🎮
— Game Pass Tracker (@gamepasstracker) October 15, 2023
The method of integrating this proposed disc drive add-on sparked speculation among gaming enthusiasts, with some suggesting a clip-on to the base of the console. However, the consensus was that pairing such an add-on with the Xbox Series S might not yield the most aesthetically pleasing results.
For context, Xbox has always maintained an inclination towards a digital future. Documents that unintentionally leaked from Microsoft earlier highlighted plans that indicated one new SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) for the Xbox Series S and two new SKUs for the Xbox Series X. Notably, none of these new SKUs featured optical drives. These documents painted the picture of a company eagerly nudging consumers towards an entirely digital gaming landscape, with retailers like Walmart reportedly doing away with retail copies of Xbox games as early as next year.
Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, subsequently released a statement following the leaks, insinuating some of these plans had since evolved. He remained coy on the specifics, suggesting that official announcements would be made when strategies were final for execution.
Sony’s new models allowing for a detachable disc drive signify an insightful strategic move: granting the digital edition users the flexibility to upgrade and use physical media. While the Xbox Series X and S house different hardware, a fact that many developers can’t help but point out, the Series S stands to benefit the most from an attachable disc drive if it supports existing models. Such an add-on wouldn’t just appease those pining for physical editions, but also aligns with Xbox’s renowned commitment to backward compatibility.
We can’t help but wonder what Microsoft is thinking with this pivot. Is this a response to PlayStation’s advancements or, potentially, a reaction to the leaked company plans and subsequent public feedback? Or is this part of Xbox’s continued investment in the Japanese video game market, where a vast majority of gaming sales prefer physical copies? Maybe it’s a combination of both as Microsoft straddles the line between maximizing profits by way of digital-only releases and catering a still-sizable but dwindling segment of their audience.
The consensus, however, seems to lean in favor of the potential introduction of a disc drive add-on. If Microsoft does go discless, there are concerns about the sufficiency of storage options, with some expressing reluctance to purchase additional storage solutions equivalent in price to an Xbox Series S.
It’s evident that while digital is the future, plenty of fans still cling to physical media. How Microsoft addresses this will certainly shape the next phase of console wars.
