Xbox Backwards Compatibility program finally brings console exclusives to PC

For years, there have been rumours that Microsoft is working on an official emulation tool to bring classic Xbox and Xbox 360 games to the PC platform. Now, Microsoft is making it official, with the first wave of original Xbox games becoming PC compatible for the first time.

The Xbox Backwards Compatibility program has re-opened after spending the last few years on pause. Now, Microsoft is turning its attention to bringing console titles to PC, starting with four original Xbox titles, including Blinx The Time Sweeper, Conker Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fuzion Frenzy. All four games are available for purchase via the Xbox App and support Play Anywhere, so you only have to buy it once to access it on both console and PC.

This isn't just the same console version now running on PC hardware. Microsoft has taken extra steps to implement customisable graphics settings, so users can enable enhanced anti-aliasing, higher anisotropic filtering, run games in fullscreen or windowed modes, enable or disable V-Sync and boost resolution by up to 4x. While the initial wave of PC-compatible Xbox games is small, Microsoft has plans to add more titles in the future.

In order to run backwards compatible Xbox games, you won't need a particularly powerful PC. These games should run on current-generation PC gaming handhelds, and if you have a DIY PC, anything with a GTX 950 or newer should do the trick. You will need to be on Windows 11 though.

KitGuru Says: Are there any original Xbox or Xbox 360 games that you would like to see brought over to PC?

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