Xbox’s disc-to-digital initiative now includes support for delisted titles.
Xbox Insiders are getting a sneak peek at the disc-to-digital program, allowing them to test the feature and share their thoughts with Microsoft before it officially rolls out. During their trials, Insiders found that they can digitize games that are no longer available on the Xbox Store, enabling physical disc owners to enjoy these titles on their Series S and PC.
The development of Xbox’s disc-to-digital program has moved along at a surprising pace. What started as a rumor in early August, based on a leaked roadmap, has turned into reality. Just a week ago, the disc-to-digital feature was officially unveiled, and as of August 31, it became accessible to Xbox Insiders. This feature allows players to obtain a digital license for Xbox One and Xbox Series X compatible discs, making them playable on the Series S and through the Play Anywhere program on PC.
Once the disc-to-digital feature launched, Xbox Insiders quickly began claiming their digital licenses and were thrilled to discover they could digitize delisted games. This means that even if a game has been removed from the Xbox Store and is no longer available for digital purchase, players can still add it to their digital library using their physical disc. This is a game-changer, as it allows disc owners to access previously unreachable titles on modern platforms like the Series S and PC.
To digitize their physical games, players simply need to insert their disc into an Xbox One or Series X, hit the Options button, and select “Claim digital license.” If the game is delisted but eligible, it will be added to their library. Players can then enjoy it on PC (if it supports Play Anywhere) or on the Series S. If the game isn’t eligible, they’ll see a message stating, “Digital license unavailable. This game is not participating in digital licensing.”
The availability of delisted games through the disc-to-digital program ultimately hinges on the decisions of their publishers and developers. There’s potential for more games to gain digital licensing support in the future. For now, players can refer to a fan-created compatibility list to check if their favorite titles are supported.