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The future of consoles could look very different from what we're used to. Increasingly, signs point to both Sony and Microsoft planning to abandon physical media entirely in the next generation of their consoles. The latest reports emerged after Sony's decision to end production of discs for PlayStation. According to leaks, the new Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, is expected to follow a similar course. For many players, this could mean the definitive end of the era of boxed game releases.
Sony and Microsoft to focus exclusively on digital distribution
According to the latest reports, PlayStation 6 is set to launch only in a version without an optical drive. Sony has not confirmed this outright, but the company has announced the end of production of physical discs with the next generation of consoles in mind. At the same time, information has surfaced that Microsoft is preparing a similar strategy for the console currently known as Project Helix. Everything therefore suggests that the two largest console makers want to move entirely to digital sales. The decision is not accidental and stems from market changes observed over several years. Digital sales of games have been steadily increasing, while interest in physical releases is continually declining. More and more players are buying titles directly from the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store. Console manufacturers also see the benefits of cutting the costs of producing and distributing physical media. According to unofficial reports, dropping the drive could also help lower the production costs of the new devices, whose prices are expected to be significantly higher than those of the current generation. For now, neither company has revealed the official specifications of its future consoles.
The end of discs will divide gamers worldwide
Although most users already buy games in digital format, a complete abandonment of discs is causing a lot of controversy. Many gamers still collect physical editions and value the ability to resell games once they have finished them. For some users, being able to install a game without having to download huge files from the internet remains an important argument. Proponents of digital distribution point to the convenience, instant access to purchased games and the absence of problems with damaged discs. Increasingly, titles are also being sold in boxes that contain only a download code, which shows the direction the whole industry is heading. If the PlayStation 6 and the new Xbox do indeed drop disc drives, it will be one of the biggest changes in the history of the console market. For now, however, all information about the future devices is based on leaks and industry analysis. The final decisions by Sony and Microsoft will only be revealed during the official presentations of the new consoles.
Recent leaks suggest that both the PlayStation 6 and Xbox Project Helix may launch without disc drives. If confirmed, the next generation of consoles will be another step towards fully digital distribution of games.
source: wccftech
