Microsoft is bringing Xbox 360 games to PC and handhelds
A leaked internal document outlines plans to bring legacy Xbox titles to PC and next-gen devices alongside a disc-to-digital program.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Microsoft plans to bring Xbox 360 games to PC and handheld devices
- Developers can opt-in and retain control over pricing and Game Pass availability
- The disc-to-digital program allows players to trade physical discs while retaining digital rights
- A gradual rollout is expected across next-gen devices between 2027 and 2028
Building on its recently announced plans to bring original Xbox games to PC, Microsoft is setting the stage to allow developers to port their Xbox 360 titles to personal computers as well. According to a leaked document reviewed by The Verge, these classic games will be capable of running on the next-gen Project Helix console, "Xbox PCs," and handheld gaming devices.
Making these older titles available on PC helps construct a unified Xbox library that travels seamlessly across devices, mimicking the flexibility offered by Steam. Furthermore, generating these digital licenses establishes the necessary infrastructure for a disc-free console future, following similar industry shifts where physical media is gradually being phased out.
By bridging the gap between legacy console libraries and modern PC hardware, Microsoft is redefining ecosystem boundaries. This strategy not only preserves gaming history but also enhances hardware value propositions across handhelds, traditional PCs, and next-generation living room consoles.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Developers working with Xbox 360 titles will have the option to make their games backward compatible, retaining full control over pricing and whether the software appears on Game Pass. The rollout is projected to happen gradually between 2027 and 2028 across next-gen hardware, while the full launch for original Xbox games on PC is scheduled for October 2026 following an initial four-game pilot program.
The document also sheds light on the disc-to-digital initiative, detailing how inserting a physical Xbox One or Series disc into an eligible console grants a digital license bound to both the physical disc and the user account. If the disc is traded or sold, the digital license transfers to the new owner, ensuring that traditional used-game sales remain viable.
Source: The Verge
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