Microsoft is expanding its backward compatibility efforts by enabling developers to bring Xbox 360 titles to personal computers, according to internal documents obtained by The Verge. The initiative builds on the company’s earlier announcement regarding original Xbox game availability on PC platforms. These legacy titles will function across multiple Microsoft ecosystems, including the upcoming Project Helix console, dedicated Xbox PCs, and portable gaming devices.
The expansion reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy to create a unified gaming library accessible across various hardware platforms, mirroring approaches already established by competitors like Steam. By digitizing older console games, Microsoft is simultaneously preparing for a potential shift away from physical media in future console generations, following Sony’s recent commitment to eliminating disc drives from its hardware lineup.
The rollout is anticipated to occur gradually between 2027 and 2028 across next-generation devices. Developers maintain control over implementation decisions, including pricing and Game Pass availability for their titles. A separate program allowing players to obtain digital versions of disc-based games is expected to launch in August, enabling current Xbox One and Series X owners to convert physical copies into digital licenses tied to their accounts and devices.
Originally reported by Theverge →
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