Old video game consoles can be repurposed as high-quality DVD players, according to advice published by technology website MakeUseOf.
Journalists at the publication noted that many recent console generations feature built-in optical disc drives. That functionality allows owners to transform old or unused gaming hardware into dedicated video players.
In 2026, buying a dedicated disc player has become extremely difficult because consumer electronics manufacturers produce almost no new models. However, many households still hold collections of movies on physical media, creating a demand for working playback hardware.
Specialists emphasized that gaming consoles are capable of playing video from Blu-ray discs at resolutions up to 4K. Popular consoles also support advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital surround sound, turning old consoles into capable home media hubs.
Hardware Compatibility and Features
Built-in optical disc support is not a new feature in gaming hardware. MakeUseOf pointed out that high-quality DVD playback is supported by systems including the Microsoft Xbox One S, which was originally released in 2016.
The Xbox One S, produced by Microsoft Corporation, was released as a compact version of the original Xbox One home video game system. Blu-ray optical discs and 4K Ultra HD standards offer higher bitrates than standard digital streams, while Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos systems deliver spatial audio across multi-channel home theatre setups.
Alternative Uses for Home Networking
The advice follows a separate report published in mid-August by technology portal How-To Geek, which detailed alternative functions for home internet routers. Journalists at the site stated that the USB ports built into routers can be used to set up local network data storage.
According to How-To Geek, router owners can also attach a USB modem equipped with a SIM card to their device. That setup creates a secondary backup communication channel to maintain internet access if a home broadband connection experiences a service outage.
Routers are networking devices that direct data traffic between home devices and broadband internet providers. Adding a USB storage device or cellular modem allows users to preserve file access and connectivity without purchasing dedicated server equipment.
