Can Xbox One S All-Digital Edition play discs?

Xbox One S
Xbox One S (Image credit: Windows Central)

Can Xbox One S All-Digital Edition play discs?

Best answer: No, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition doesn't support disc-based media. The best alternative is the standard Xbox One S, currently priced only a little above the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, with the latest Star Wars game for free.All-inclusive: Xbox One S Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Bundle ($300 at Best Buy)Disc-free gaming: Xbox One S All-Digital Edition ($250 at Best Buy)

What is the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition?

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is Microsoft's latest addition to the Xbox family, framed as a new entry-level living room device. Built upon the same foundations of the existing Xbox One S, it's a new, low-cost, disc-less alternative fully embracing digital downloads and streaming. Despite near-identical hardware under the hood, the connected console drops the optical disc drive, passing savings to buyers. In short, the Xbox One S All-Digital trades Xbox One game discs, 4K Blu-ray, and DVD compatibility for a $50 cut on the retail price.

By ditching its internal disc drive, this means the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition can't play any disc-based media. Microsoft has removed the essential components to read discs, with a fresh, streamlined casing that blocks where the drive used to be. The Xbox One also doesn't support external disc-drives over USB, making it impossible to regain disc compatibility after purchase.

The best Xbox One for discs

Since the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition won't support a disc collection, the standard Xbox One S is an ideal alternative. First launched back in 2016, the Xbox One S has been Microsoft's budget offering for nearly four years. Unlike the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, this device features an optical disc drive, with support for physical disc-based Xbox One games, along with 4K Blu-ray and DVD playback. The Xbox One S is the feature-rich console of the duo, ideal for budget-conscious gamers and media enthusiasts alike.

Although Microsoft pitches the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition as its cheapest console yet, nearly three years on the market has driven the Xbox One S cost down. The Xbox One S is almost universally priced around a $300 price at third-party retailers, with some bundles lower on discount. The Xbox One S 1TB Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Bundle bundle at Best Buy is an excellent alternative, packing the Xbox One S 1TB console alongside the latest Star Wars entry at a low price.

Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.