Most Xbox game discs will be playable digitally — here’s how to access them first

Microsoft announced last week that it is granting Xbox disc game owners digital licenses for most of their copies starting on Aug. 31.

That means owners of Xbox One and Xbox Series X game discs will be eligible to download a digital copy of most of their games.

“This is part of our broader commitment to game preservation,” Microsoft explained. “As technology, devices, and distribution continue to evolve, preserving access to the games people own matters more than ever.”

The new feature will be released after Sony doubled down on discontinuing physical discs in 2028 and reaffirming video game license agreements that state customers do not own their digital games. They only have a license to play the games.

READ MORE: Sony may be discontinuing video game discs — but there’s still a way to get physical copies

But the initial roll-out of the new feature is available only to certain Xbox customers: Xbox Insiders.

Some gaming customers who have criticized Sony’s upcoming disc phase-out may see this as a win. However, other skeptical gamers may see this as a way to prepare them for the next-gen Xbox console under the name “Project Helix” that can potentially be all-digital.

The first set includes thousands of titles, according to Microsoft, though the company did not specify which titles or how many more will gain the feature.

Here’s exactly how the process will work and how to get access to the new digital game feature before other Xbox gamers can.

How can I download digital copies of my physical Xbox game discs?

Starting on Aug. 31, Xbox Insiders will be able to add the digital versions of their disc games to their Xbox device library.

They simply need to insert the disc into their Xbox One or Xbox Series X console and launch the game. This will download the “digital entitlement” — or license — without needing a code or app.

Xbox Insiders will be able to play their games digitally using Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming while still being able to use their physical discs whenever they wish.

Each disc has one revocable digital license. If you sell the disc or lend it to someone, the license will move to the new device, and it will be revoked from yours.

How do I become an Xbox Insider?

Before the new feature rolls out in a few days, you can sign up to be an Xbox Insider.

All you have to do is download the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One or Windows PC.

In the Xbox Insider Program, fans can provide feedback on Xbox system updates, along with features and games in development.

To install the app on a console, go to the store in the Home menu or from the guide. In the Search, look up XBOX Insider bundle and hit “Get” or “Install.”

To install the app on a Windows device, in the Start menu, launch the Microsoft Store. Then, in the Search bar, look up XBOX Insider Hub and hit “Get” or “Install.”

“You’ll automatically become eligible to join more Insider content previews based on your interests, tenure as an XBOX Insider, XBOX Insider XP score, and activities you participate in,” Microsoft says.

You can find more information about the Xbox Insider Program here.

Top Xbox games you can buy now as physical discs

While Microsoft has not yet revealed which games will be able to convert to digital copies, you can still keep stocking up physical copies you’ve been eyeing for a while.

Here are a few popular Xbox video games you can buy now in a physical disc format.

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