Following reports that PlayStation plans to end disc-based releases by 2028, the industry has turned its attention to Microsoft. As questions persist about whether Xbox will continue supporting physical games in 2026, one independent retailer is making its stance clear.
Video Games Plus, which describes itself as North America’s premier independent videogame retailer and distributor, has published an open letter addressed to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. The retailer is urging the company to “stand behind consumer choice” by ensuring that the upcoming hardware, currently known as Project Helix, maintains support for physical media.
The letter draws a parallel to the launch of the Xbox One in 2013. The retailer notes that Microsoft’s initial focus on digital-first policies allowed Sony to capitalize on the moment by positioning the PlayStation 4 as a console that embraced physical ownership. According to the letter, this decision became a defining factor for that console generation. The retailer suggests that Microsoft now has a unique opportunity to “reverse that narrative” and win back consumer favor by committing to physical discs.
The Argument for Physical Media
In the open letter shared on social media, Video Games Plus highlights that the Xbox 360 era remains a high point for the brand’s reputation. The retailer argues that Microsoft can recapture the goodwill of that era by keeping physical games as a core part of its strategy for Project Helix.
"There remains a passionate and dedicated audience that values collecting, preserving, lending, trading, and truly owning the games they purchase. As a retailer, we see that demand every day," the letter states.
The retailer emphasizes that a renewed investment in physical media would be mutually beneficial for consumers, publishers, retailers, and the Xbox brand itself. The post has already gained significant traction online, amassing thousands of likes and nearly 300,000 views shortly after its release.
The Status of Project Helix
While fans and retailers look for clarity, rumors suggest that Microsoft has not yet finalized its plans regarding disc support for Project Helix. The company is reportedly still evaluating whether the hardware will support physical discs in any capacity.
While physical sales numbers on Xbox consoles have been on a decline for some time, the conversation surrounding the potential shift to an all-digital future remains a point of contention for many players. Whether Microsoft decides to follow the industry trend toward digital-only or chooses to differentiate itself by offering a physical option, the message from independent retailers like Video Games Plus is that there is still a vocal segment of the market that prioritizes the ability to own their games on physical media.