Microsoft had an actual discussion regarding whether or not it should remove the disc drive from the Xbox One right after the console’s second reveal at E3 2013.
“After the announcement and E3, there was some feedback regarding what individuals wished to change,” Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer aforesaid in an interview. “There was a true discussion regarding whether or not we should have an optical disc drive in Xbox One or if we may get away with a strictly disc-less console, however after you begin staring at information measure and game size, it will produce problems.” Of course, (thankfully) the team decided to permit the disc-drive after all. “We decided – which I think was the right decision- to go with the Blu-ray drive and give the people a simple way to install plenty of content,” Spencer explained. “From a number of those original thoughts, you saw us extremely that specialize in the digital scheme you see on different devices – thinking of and building around that.” Last time a console manufacturer released a complete digital platform was Sony with its hand-held spin-off, the PSPGo that was later dubbed a complete flop.