By Dexerto | Created at 2026-07-22 16:01:38 | Updated at 2026-08-04 07:30:47
1 week ago
Xbox is expanding its backward compatibility program beyond consoles, bringing select original Xbox games to Windows PCs and handheld gaming devices for the first time.
Rolling out in early release on July 22, Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC launches with four original Xbox titles that can now be played through the Xbox app on Windows, including devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.
Microsoft says the feature is the first step in a broader effort to preserve classic Xbox games and gradually bring more of its back catalog to PC.
The launch also means players who already own a digital license for supported games on Xbox consoles can access those same titles on PC through Xbox Play Anywhere. The games are also included with all Xbox Game Pass plans.
Four original Xbox games are available on PC now
The first wave of supported titles includes:
- BLiNX: The Time Sweeper
- Conker: Live and Reloaded
- Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
- Fuzion Frenzy
Rather than simply emulating the games, Microsoft has also added several PC-specific enhancements while preserving the original gameplay.
Players can adjust graphics settings with support for up to 4x resolution upscaling, VSync, fullscreen and windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering, enhanced anti-aliasing, and customizable language and audio settings.
Microsoft also confirmed additional features are on the way. Later this year, achievements will be added to select original Xbox backward-compatible games on both console and PC, with the four launch titles set to receive achievement support in the coming months.
XboxXbox says players with compatible hardware can access the games through the Xbox app on Windows 11. Minimum requirements include a GTX 950, Radeon RX 550, Intel UHD 770 or better graphics, a quad-core processor, and 8GB of RAM.
The company says Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC is intended to help preserve older games while allowing players to access the titles they already own across Xbox consoles, cloud gaming, PCs, and supported handheld devices.
The new backward compatibility rollout also builds on Microsoft’s broader push to make game libraries more accessible across devices.
Earlier this month, reports suggested the company is preparing a disc-to-digital conversion system that would let players turn eligible physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games into digital licenses tied to their Microsoft account, further expanding its efforts to let players carry their collections between console, cloud, PC, and handheld devices.
