There have been rumors going around for a while now about Microsoft planning an all-digital version of its baseline gaming console, the Xbox One S. The new console will feature a noticeable lack of an optical drive - so no more discs - in favor of an expanded storage drive for digital downloads.
Leaked images of the upcoming all-digital console have also been making waves online, originating from the Germany-based retailer, WinFuture.de. The images showcase a pretty standard-looking Xbox One S, with the main difference being the fact that there is no optical drive. Marketing art and banner images accompanying the Xbox One S also point to the possibility that it may be bundled with games like Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 3 pre-installed.
Microsoft may also have plans for a certain "disc-to-digital" campaign, where it will allow players to get digital-download codes for presenting physical copies of the games they own. This initiative will most likely be part of a much larger campaign to move the platform closer and closer to being primarily digital.
Fortunately, fans won't have to speculate too long, since Microsoft already has an Xbox event planned for later today. Hopefully, we'll get some answers and official announcements regarding the all-digital Xbox One S, as well as more news into the console. Of course, everyone's hoping the highlight of the event will be Microsoft's plans for E3 2019, and some more information on its highly-anticipated title, Halo Infinite.
While disc-less gaming does sound convenient, and is already being implemented on many other gaming platforms, going all-digital with the Xbox One S is a little peculiar. On PC, PS4, and even Nintendo Switch, users have the option to purchase physical copies of their games - to decorate shelves, to get collector's items like game-guide printouts and other fun exclusives - or go for the more convenient option, which is digital download. The point I'm trying to make here is choice. On any other platform, and right now, even on Xbox, players have the option to go physical or digital. I'm sure there are positive trade-offs with going disc-free, so hopefully Microsoft will get around to that at their next Inside Xbox livestream later today.
What do you think about the upcoming disc-free, all-digital Xbox One S? Will you be willing to trade the option of physical copies and digital download for the convenience of going all-digital? Let us know in the comments section below.
