Next Xbox May Ship Without Disc Drive, External Option Possible

Microsoft's next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, may ship without a disc drive, according to a Windows Central report. The report cites codenames found in Xbox Insider builds.

Codenames found in Insider builds

Insider Jez Corden discovered the codenames 'Positron' and 'Project Saluki' in the Insider builds. Corden believes Positron could refer to a disc-to-digital program that lets users convert physical games into digital licenses. The report suggests the next Xbox might rely on an external disc drive instead of a built-in one.

Microsoft has not officially confirmed any of these plans. The company has not commented on the rumored disc-less console or the potential disc-to-digital program.

The report comes from Windows Central's Jez Corden, who based his findings on code in Xbox Insider builds. The exact launch window and pricing for the next Xbox remain unconfirmed by Microsoft.