Leaked memo suggests next-gen Xbox devices may run your whole Xbox library

Leaked Microsoft documents corroborate reports about two separate programs aimed at bringing older Xbox console games to PC, handhelds, and future hardware. The reported plans include a disc-to-digital licence conversion system alongside a native PC emulator for original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.

Under the proposed disc-to-digital scheme, further corroborated by the documents shared by The Verge, players insert an Xbox One or Xbox Series disc into an optical drive console to grant a digital license to their account. That license then carries over to disc-less hardware, including future devices like Project Helix. Details from The Verge note that Microsoft's secondary initiative focuses on running original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles locally on PCs, handhelds, and Helix via a dedicated emulator.

Image credit: The Verge

These emulated titles will reportedly function like standard Xbox PC releases, featuring cloud saves and shared account progress. Microsoft intends to manage the emulator software, certification, storefront integration, and ongoing support, leaving publishers responsible only for opt-ins and pricing. As per the memo, permission for Xbox and Xbox 360 games will have to be given by the publisher on a title-by-title basis.

Original Xbox titles are scheduled to launch first, followed by Xbox 360 games targeting rollout windows across 2027 and 2028.

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KitGuru says: Giving players a path to turn old physical discs into digital licenses while bringing classic Xbox and Xbox 360 games to PC through official emulation sounds like a massive win for game preservation.

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