Microsoft is expanding its Windows PC backward compatibility program to include 25 original Xbox titles. This update coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Xbox console. The move fulfills a promise made by the company to preserve older games through digital distribution.
Users can now play these classic titles on their computers. The games are available for purchase as digital copies. Microsoft confirmed that all 25 titles support keyboard and mouse controls. This is a change from the initial rollout in July, which only included four games.
Original Xbox Games and Achievements
The latest addition brings the total number of playable original Xbox games on PC to 25. The list includes several Star Wars titles, as well as other popular releases from the early 2000s. Most of these games were not previously available on modern Windows systems.
Microsoft is also introducing achievements for original Xbox games for the first time. This feature allows players to earn badges for completing specific tasks within the games. The initial batch of games with achievements includes Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, its sequel, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, and Conker: Live and Reloaded.
Achievements are also available on Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles following a recent system update. Microsoft stated that more games will receive this feature in the future.
Game Pass and Disc Limitations
Availability on Xbox Game Pass is limited for this batch. Only six of the new titles are included in the subscription service. These games are Blinx, Conker, Crimson Skies, Fusion Frenzy, Morrowind, and Grabbed by the Ghoulies. The remaining titles must be purchased individually.
Physical discs from the original Xbox era cannot be used to play these games on PC. Microsoft explained that original Xbox and Xbox 360 discs are not part of its disc-to-digital program. These older discs lack the unique serial numbers embedded in Xbox One discs. The PC backward compatibility feature relies on an emulator to run the software.
Leaked documents from Microsoft previously indicated that October 2026 would be the full launch date for original Xbox games on PC. The company also plans a gradual rollout of Xbox 360 games to next-generation consoles between 2027 and 2028. This timeline aligns with the expected release of a new handheld device and the Xbox Helix box.
The Xbox Helix is expected to support games from every generation of Xbox. Reports suggest the device may fundamentally operate as a Windows PC. This strategy allows Microsoft to unify its gaming ecosystem across different hardware platforms.
Players can now access these 25 original xbox games on their Windows PCs. The expansion marks a continued effort to make older titles accessible to modern audiences.
Source: The Verge
