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Is there any proof that their next console isn’t going to have an optical drive?
I don’t think so, but I think pessimism has merged with realism. Perhaps we all just agree that for 2026 tech companies, whatever the question is, the correct answer will be whatever’s the worst decision for the public.
Edit: Dude, just FYI since maybe you don’t realize we can see downvotes: if you downvote everyone responding to you even in good faith, nobody will want to respond to you.
Is there any reason why you or anyone would give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt?
Expect the worst from MS and you’ll never be disappointed.
If they haven’t announced drives being removed, then there isn’t any proof that they are planning to do it. There is no benefit of doubt, nor is there evidence to support your claim.
Why would they create the optical to digital DRM program if they were keeping optical drives in the next system?
MS wanted to kill the secondary market since the start of the 8th generation in 2014. Their DRM rules are a big reason why a lot of people dropped Xbox to switch to PlayStation.