Microsoft's Gaming CEO Says Xbox Won't Go All-Digital Just Yet

It's no surprise that the broader tech industry has largely moved away from physical disks to digital subscription-based models. But Microsoft's Gaming CEO Phil Spencer says Xbox isn't trying to do away with disks just yet -- even though making disk slots could become challenging in the future. From a report: 'Our strategy does not hinge on people moving all-digital,' Spencer said in a recent interview with Game File. 'Getting rid of physical, that's not a strategic thing for us.' While Spencer implied that disk slots have become somewhat old-school at this point, Xbox consoles will continue to offer both disk-compatible and diskless options if gamers still want to choose. Xbox hasn't confirmed yet whether the previously leaked diskless Xbox refresh of the Series X console is still coming, though.

'Gaming consoles themselves have kind of become the last consumer electronic device that has a drive,' Spencer conceded, calling it a 'real issue.' Because so few manufacturers are still making physical disk slots, it's possible making consoles with them could become cost prohibitive in the future. 'When you think about cogs that we're going to go put in a console -- and as you have fewer suppliers and fewer buyers -- the cost of the drive does have an impact,' Spencer said.

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