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The announcement of the Xbox Disc to Digital feature has got everyone wondering about the future of physical games on Xbox and whether Project Helix will support discs or not, and there's still no official word on this for now.
However, two separate major outlets have reported that the disc drive situation is getting more difficult in general, as essentially the "entire supply chain for the components required to make optical disc drives is collapsing".
Here's a look at the two outlets talking about this - they basically say the same thing:
Windows Central: "Microsoft still hasn't really put its mark on the debate, although sources tell me it's less about the discs and more about the disc drives themselves; the entire supply chain for the components required to make optical disc drives is collapsing, with assembly lines pivoting away from the tech as users actively opt for digital-only."
Digital Foundry: "Well-placed sources tell us that not only is it becoming harder for Microsoft to source Blu-ray disc drives, but the amount of disc manufacturing facilities is also declining - and the existence of the programme does lend more evidence to the idea that Helix will be an all-digital console. That makes this programme a much-needed stepping stone that lets users take their full Xbox libraries into the new generation."
So, ultimately, even if Xbox wants to try and fit a disc drive into every Project Helix console and go all-in on physical games, it's going to be harder than ever to make that happen. We're moving towards an all-digital future regardless of whether we like it or not, and that's probably why the Disc to Digital feature exists in the first place.
That said, we're still holding out hope that Xbox will at least provide some kind of optional disc drive attachment for Helix when it launches, and we've already talked about how there's a chance to win over some disgruntled PlayStation fans who are devastated that Sony is ceasing physical discs from 2028.
Still no official word on this either way though - hopefully we'll get an answer sooner rather than later.