Cheaper, Disc-Free Xbox One Coming Next Year, Report Says

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Microsoft is planning to release a disc-free version of the Xbox One as early as next spring, according to an unsourced report from author Brad Sams of Thurrott.com (who has been reliable with early Xbox-related information in the past). The report suggests the disc-free version of the system would not replace the existing Xbox One hardware, and it would instead represent 'the lowest possible price for the Xbox One S console.' Sams says that price could come in at $199 'or lower,' a significant reduction from the system's current $299 starting price (but not as compelling compared to $199 deals for the Xbox One and PS4 planned for Black Friday this year). Buyers will also be able to add a subscription to the Xbox Games Pass program for as little as $1, according to Sams. For players who already have games on disc, Sams says Microsoft will offer a 'disc to digital' program in association with participating publishers. Players will be able to take their discs into participating retailers (including Microsoft Stores) and trade them in for a 'digital entitlement' that can be applied to their Xbox Live account.

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