"Assessing Microsoft's All-Digital Future and Xbox Leaks: Ambition, Fixes, and Mistakes"

Microsoft's plan for a slim version of the Xbox Series X, codenamed "Brooklin," without a Blu-ray drive raises questions about the future of physical media in gaming. If this trend continues, it could mean Microsoft pulling out of retail almost entirely and potentially leading to the demise of GameStop. While Sony may stick with Blu-ray, Microsoft's move towards an all-digital future is not surprising given the success of the all-digital Xbox Series S and Xbox Game Pass. The next five years of console gaming are expected to be interesting as the industry navigates the shift towards digital distribution.