Those who were hoping Microsoft would take the opposite approach to Sony regarding its strategy for game discs are likely to be disappointed. Indeed, a fully digital future seems more likely than ever.

Experts from the YouTube channel Digital Foundry report that the production line for disc drives is collapsing entirely. Windows Central had already touched on the subject in July. The end of optical drive production is now considered a done deal due to a collapse in demand and the retooling of factories that manufacture key components. This should therefore prevent console manufacturers from sourcing these drives.

As a result, Digital Foundry believes that Project Helix, the next Xbox, will undoubtedly lack a disc drive. This is also why the American company has already implemented its system for converting discs into digital licenses. This will allow players to keep their physical Xbox One and Xbox Series game libraries.