Xbox Series X update allows more discs to be played fully offline
Microsoft has quietly updated its Xbox Series X system software to remove the need for a one-time online check in before playing Xbox One discs and certain "Smart Delivery" cross-generation discs.
When we first wrote about this issue last May, we noted how the Series X hid the download of certain required config files behind a "Getting your game ready..." message during the first load of an affected disc-based game. If the system wasn't connected to the Internet, though, Series X users would be presented with a "This game isn't ready yet" error, completely preventing them from playing their disc-based game.
Fast forward to last week, when YouTuber Hikkomori Media noticed that the online check-in had apparently been removed. Discs that previously presented an error when run offline can now be installed and played directly from the disc, even if the system has no Internet connection.