Leaked Roadmap Hints At Xbox's Plans For Backwards Compatibility In 2026-2028
A leaked roadmap suggests Microsoft plans to expand its Xbox backwards compatibility program to PC and next-gen devices between 2026 and 2028. The initiative will rely on developer opt-ins to bring Xbox 360 titles to modern platforms.
Why it matters
Expanding backwards compatibility is a major strategic move for Microsoft to increase the value of its gaming ecosystem and preserve legacy software.
Including a "gradual rollout" for Xbox 360 games "across next-gen devices"
Xbox made a big splash last month by announcing that the backwards compatibility program was officially making its debut on PC , and a new leaked roadmap hints at what to expect from this in the months and years ahead.
The timeline has been shared by multiple people on social media, including The Verge's Tom Warren - you can see below how it also incorporates the disc-to-digital feature that has been heavily rumoured but yet to be announced.
To clarify, the timeline says that backwards compatibility's "early access" period for PC began in July and should receive a "full launch" in October when more original Xbox titles will presumably become available. The idea is then to provide a gradual rollout of Xbox 360 titles throughout 2027 and 2028.
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