Microsoft announced the implementation of backward compatibility for original Xbox console games, allowing these titles to be played on PCs and portable devices through the Xbox app. This feature, called Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC, was made available this Wednesday, July 22nd, and requires no form of emulation.
Initial Availability and Costs
Initially, the catalog includes only four games. These titles can be purchased from the store for R$ 49.90 or accessed via a Game Pass subscription, starting with the Essential plan, which currently costs R$ 43.90. The available games are: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy.
Users who already own the digital license for these four games, as well as future additions, can use them on PC without needing to repurchase. The goal of this initiative is to expand the preservation of the old Xbox archive, bringing part of this library beyond consoles, including portable devices such as the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.
Improvements and Features on PC
In addition to enabling game execution, Microsoft has incorporated several configuration options to adapt the titles to the PC environment without modifying the inherent gameplay of the platform. These options include resolution upscaling up to four times, VSync, the ability to run in windowed or full-screen mode, anisotropic filtering, enhanced anti-aliasing, as well as audio and language selectors. The company also stated that the Achievements system will be integrated into the games in the coming months.
Technical Requirements for Execution
To run the games, the computer must have Windows 11, DirectX support, and a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. Additional minimum specifications include Intel Core i3-8100, AMD Ryzen 3 1200, or AMD Ryzen Z2 A (for portable devices), and graphics cards Nvidia GTX 950, AMD Radeon RX 550, Intel UHD 770, or Intel Arc A310. Recommended specifications are higher, requiring processors such as Intel Core i5-10400, AMD Ryzen 5 3600, or AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, and graphics cards like Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti, Radeon RX 6800S, and Intel Arc A770.
Microsoft's Long-Term Strategy
Jason Ronald, Vice President of Next-Gen Xbox, stated that this measure is part of the continuous effort to preserve the brand. He emphasized that backward compatibility on PC represents an advancement in maintaining past games, facilitating access to titles already owned by users on their daily devices. Although Microsoft has not defined a timeline for adding new games, this move strengthens the corporate strategy of reducing dependence on the Xbox library within a single console. There are expectations that the next generation, known as Project Helix, will strongly prioritize the multiplatform model.
On the other hand, Asha Sharma, CEO of the Xbox division, expressed skepticism regarding the expansion of this access to competing consoles, citing the case of Sony's PlayStation 5, which is finalizing physical versions of its games. Previously, under Phil Spencer's leadership, the company had planned releases on rival products with the aim of increasing profit margins.