Leaker confirms Microsoft's Xbox 360 backward compatibility plans for new consoles and PC

Many gamers protested when the Xbox backward compatibility program ended in 2021. Xbox One, Xbox 360, and older games remained playable on the Series S and X. Even so, the ROG Xbox Ally handheld and future consoles face more obstacles. According to a reliable leaker, Microsoft is exploring ways to bring console-locked titles to these systems.

NateTheHate2 provided a hint about the company’s intentions on the ResetEra forums. Replying to a poster, he said, “There exists a hope to make legacy Xbox (OG and Xbox 360) games BC on ROG and Windows. Whether they succeed is the unknown; but there is an effort being made.” However, NateTheHate2 was unsure about how many Xbox games would qualify.

There have been various rumors about how Microsoft would tackle the conundrum. In June, Xenia denied reports that the company would rely on its popular Xbox 360 emulator. Instead, its developers claimed that Microsoft had its own in-house solution. Windows Central’s Jez Corden later teased the possibility of an official emulator. The software could bring inaccessible Xbox titles to Windows PCs and gaming handhelds.

Other paths to Xbox backward compatibility

Corden has also predicted that the rumored new Xbox console would have custom hardware to solve the issue. Microsoft and AMD are reportedly working on a system powered by the Magnus APU. Still, many analysts believe it will be a PC/console hybrid that will depend on Windows. How exactly engineers would support the massive back catalog without software emulation is unclear.

Executives have been more cautious in their comments on backward compatibility. On a recent BBC podcast focused on the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, Xbox Gaming Devices and Ecosystem Vice President Jason Ronald addressed a question about the perk. He assured viewers that Microsoft wants to “celebrate the great legacy and the history that we have with Xbox...” Regarding the Xbox 25th anniversary in 2026, Ronald continued, “I can’t confirm or deny what you’re asking, but stay tuned. We have a lot of exciting things to share next year.”

Some fans see Ronald’s statements as a positive sign. Nevertheless, licensing issues are another roadblock to reviving overlooked titles. If collected physical discs aren’t an option, publishers Microsoft originally had agreements with may no longer exist.