Xbox 720 games tethered to one console, require online code activation - report

Xbox 720 games will require online activation via bundled codes, in a bid to combat piracy of physical titles. This fresh claim comes from the pages of EDGE, which states it has spoken with sources at the heart of the matter. We'll believe it when we see it of course, but the evidence - as always - is yours to judge for yourself.

The EDGE, the report comes from what it calls, "sources with first-hand experience of Microsoft's next generation console."

The piece states that Xbox 720 titles will come on 50GB Blu-Ray discs that will use activation codes" over Xbox Live.

It's a new form of authentication they say, one that will render discs with "no function beyond the initial users", essentially blocking the possibility of pre-owned re-sale. Digital versions of games will also be made available over Xbox Live.

This stacks up with what VG247 has heard from our own sources back in April. We've heard that the console will launch in time for Christmas 2013, will include Blu-Ray drive and will require an always-on net connection to authenticate titles. Read our full report on the matter here.

The report follows claims that PS4 will use NFC tech to scan and lock games to a single console. We reported on the tech patents here.

Pre-owned does dent software sales, but on the other hand consumers are used to having rights that allow them to re-sell their purchases. What do you make of the conundrum?