Microsoft brings original Xbox backward compatibility to Windows PCs

Microsoft has announced that original Xbox games are now playable on Windows PCs through backward compatibility, expanding the library of classic titles available to PC gamers. The move brings a selection of games from the first-generation Xbox console to the PC platform, allowing players to revisit or discover older titles without needing the original hardware.

The announcement affects PC gamers who own or purchase backward-compatible original Xbox games, as well as subscribers to Xbox Game Pass, which includes some of these titles. This expansion matters because it bridges the gap between console and PC ecosystems, giving players more options to enjoy classic games on modern systems. It also strengthens Microsoft's push to unify its gaming platforms under the Xbox brand.

According to the source, the feature was revealed on November 15, 2021, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the original Xbox launch. Specific numbers of games available at launch were not provided, but Microsoft stated that more titles would be added over time. The backward compatibility program previously existed only on Xbox consoles, including the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Background from the source indicates that Microsoft has been gradually expanding backward compatibility since the Xbox One era, starting with Xbox 360 games and later adding original Xbox titles to consoles. The PC rollout follows years of requests from the community. The likely next steps, as per the source, include continued additions to the library and potential integration with features like cloud saves and achievements on PC.