Although I'm a big supporter of physical media (I love me some fancy cover art!), there are definitely benefits to digital media. Especially if you plan on sharing and/or playing gaming with friends and family.

At least on the Xbox One, you are able to share a single licence with two consoles meaning you only need to buy one copy of a game to play it together with a family member. This is great financially because you don't need to buy a second disc! And if you're in the market for a second Xbox I think the "SAD" would be a perfect solution. Of course, you won't be able to play your physical games, but still.

I don't think this move is the nail in Microsoft's coffin though. If anything, it's just them following the current trends in gaming. Most people buy digitally nowadays. Even the physical media collectors. I mean, you can't beat some of those deep deep discounts you'll find on their online stores! No to mention things like game pass.

I do agree with you though, that it does seem a bit pricey and if it was at least $50 cheaper it would make for a more interesting proposition. I also agree that it is a bit scary to think of loosing all of your digital purchases when a company decides they don't want to maintain their servers any more. I'm seriously bummed that I'll never be able to pick up Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth or Contra ReBirth! But, there is still an Xbox with a disc drive and disc based games are still being made for it. And as long as Microsoft puts a drive in their next gen console they'll be ok.

Like you said, game purchases are trending toward all digital. And one day that'll happen in one way or another, but I don't think it's time yet. On the other hand, if Microsoft does decide to go all digital too early, that might just hurt them more than they think.

Great article! And as always keep up the great work!! ;)