A few days ago, Windows Central sources reported that Xbox Project Helix would be released without a disc drive. Now, The Verge claims that Microsoft has not yet made a final decision and continues to consider the option of an integrated disc drive in the next-generation console.
The company is closely monitoring players' reactions to PlayStation's plans and criticism of abandoning physical copies. Perhaps this is what prompted Microsoft to reconsider its strategy.
Even the presence of a disc drive does not guarantee the release of new games on discs. It could be used for backward compatibility with collections of Xbox One and Xbox Series X owners.
Such a move would allow Xbox to differentiate itself from PlayStation and maintain the interest of collectors. No decision has been made yet.