Microsoft Expands Backwards Compatibility to Include Xbox 360 Games on PC

Microsoft is expanding its backwards compatibility efforts to include Xbox 360 games on PC. According to leaked roadmaps, this will be available in October for original Xbox titles, with Xbox 360 support arriving in a timeframe of 2027-2028. This will allow gamers to play classic Xbox and Xbox 360 games on their next-gen consoles, including the upcoming Project Helix device.

The move is part of Microsoft's 'Disc-to-Digital' plan, which aims to bring legacy games into the digital age with minimal effort from developers and publishers. Once opted-in, Microsoft will handle engineering, certification, and support for backwards-compatible games. This could lead to effective remasters of classic titles, with boosted resolutions and framerates.

The leaked roadmaps also suggest that Project Helix, a next-gen Xbox console, will have a PC-like architecture. As such, this backwards compatibility effort will also benefit Xbox console players, potentially making it easier for developers and publishers to bring their games to the platform.