Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 720 may use online downloads and a Solid State card port in place of a disc drive. The Xbox 360 already supports digital content distribution models and it is expected that Microsoft will continue to increase its focus on non-physical media. This means easier access to games for the consumer, but quite a hit to retail stores who depend on the gigantic sales of physical games as a large source of revenue.
Earlier reports suggested that the Xbox 720 would include a Blu-ray disc drive. A Microsoft spokesperson wouldn’t confirm the move away from discs, but did say Microsoft is “always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention.”
The gaming and entertainment console is expected to hit the market some time in 2013.
