Microsoft brings original Xbox backward compatibility to Windows PCs
Microsoft has launched a program bringing original Xbox backward compatibility to Windows PCs, starting with four classic titles. Users can purchase the games or access them via Xbox Game Pass, with support for modern graphical enhancements like resolution scaling.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in Microsoft's strategy to expand its console ecosystem and legacy software accessibility to the PC platform.
Better late than never Microsoft brings original Xbox backward compatibility to Windows PCs First four compatible titles can be run with an 11-year-old graphics card.
20 If only your PC case was as cool as this circa 2000 Xbox prototype shows at GDC. Credit: Reddit If only your PC case was as cool as this circa 2000 Xbox prototype shows at GDC. Credit: Reddit Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav For years, Microsoft has leaned heavily into extensive backward compatibility across multiple generations of Xbox hardware as a major selling point for its consoles. Today, that effort expands past the console ecosystem, making select original Xbox titles officially playable (and purchasable) on Windows PCs for the first time.
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