Microsoft is reportedly developing a new strategy for its upcoming Xbox console that could eliminate the need for a built-in disc drive. This potential shift stems from internal codenames discovered in recent Xbox Insider builds. The discovery has sparked speculation about how the company plans to handle physical media in a digital-first future.
New Game Pass offers targeted at the Chinese market
Insider Jez Corden identified two specific codenames within the software: Project Saluki and Positron. Project Saluki appears to relate to new Game Pass offerings tailored for the Chinese market. The second codename, Positron, is the subject of more significant hardware speculation regarding the next generation of Xbox consoles.
According to reports, the Positron codename refers to a disc-to-digital conversion program. This hypothetical system would allow users to convert physical Xbox games into permanent digital licenses. If implemented, this feature could enable Microsoft to release a next-generation console without an internal optical drive while still supporting existing physical game collections.
The proposed solution mirrors strategies used by competitors like Sony with the PS5 Slim, which offers an external disc drive accessory. However, the Positron program might require users to verify discs through an external drive before each play session. Microsoft has not officially confirmed the existence of the Positron program or the removal of the disc drive from future hardware.
Source: NotebookCheck
