A new update for Xbox Series X has finally removed the online DRM (digital rights management) required for Xbox One discs.
The new 2206 update was rolled out to all Xbox Series X and S users, and while it has been available since earlier this summer – users only just now started realizing it let you pop in Xbox One discs and play them offline.
To recap: Microsoft, Sony, and in some cases even Nintendo require you to be online to play some games, even if you own the physical disc. This was pushed as a standard practice now that game discs are essentially a way to redeem a “license”, now, but Microsoft took a step in the pro-consumer direction.
The news was confirmed by Xbox engineering lead Eden Marie, who said they “determined the online compatibility check” isn’t actually needed for “the vast majority of cases” with Xbox One discs. The Xbox dev noted that some games will still require an online update “to ensure the best experience.”
Microsoft famously got tons of blowback to their original hardline stance on Xbox One, where you absolutely had to be online to play any games at all. Sony got one of the easiest wins in gaming history over the blunder, so now Xbox One games are playable offline just like Xbox Series X games.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning you will need an internet connection for classic Xbox and Xbox 360 games via backwards compatability, due to how the games are authenticted to your game library.
Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have been available since November 2020.
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