Microsoft’s Xbox division is set to broaden its backward compatibility offerings for PC, extending beyond the original Xbox titles. A recently leaked document, obtained by The Verge, reveals plans that will allow developers to make their Xbox 360 games available for PC users in the near future.
Expanding the Library
Last month, Xbox introduced four classic games from the original Xbox era—Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies, and Fuzion Frenzy—to PC. According to the leaked document, this initiative will soon encompass Xbox 360 titles, enabling developers to opt into the program and bring their past releases to a new audience.
These Xbox 360 games are expected to be playable on various platforms, including ‘Xbox PCs’ (which refers to the Xbox app on Windows devices), handheld gaming devices like the ROG Xbox Ally X, and the upcoming Project Helix console. This next-generation console is rumored to integrate features reminiscent of a gaming PC, enhancing the gaming experience.
Developer Control and Future Rollout
Developers will have the autonomy to decide whether their Xbox 360 games will be backward compatible on PC and Helix. They will also determine pricing strategies and the availability of titles on Xbox Game Pass. The rollout of this feature is projected to occur between 2027 and 2028, indicating that PC gamers may have to wait a while longer for this expanded library.
In the immediate future, the full launch of backward compatibility for original Xbox games on PC is slated for October, with expectations that more titles will join the current lineup. The existing four games have been enhanced with features such as 4x resolution scaling, V-Sync support, texture filtering, and anti-aliasing, promising a polished experience for players.
Achievements on the Horizon
In a noteworthy development, Xbox has confirmed that achievements will be introduced for these original Xbox titles, a feature that has been absent until now. This addition will apply to both console and PC versions, further enriching the gaming experience for fans of these classic titles.
