Microsoft may release Xbox 360 emulator for Windows to market ROG Xbox Ally to console gamers
Microsoft’s attempt to lure Xbox console owners to Windows is under constant scrutiny. The ROG Xbox Ally handheld runs a vast library of PC games, but other titles remain inaccessible. Windows Central’s Jez Corden believes that an official Xbox 360 emulator for PCs could support some older Xbox games.
On the XboxEra Discord, Corden expanded on some comments made on a recent Xbox Two podcast. The insider addressed concerns about backward compatibility on Xbox consoles. He revealed that Microsoft may see emulation as a solution. Many gamers consider a May 2025 job listing for a Principal Software Engineer as evidence to back up these claims.
The Windows Central editor tempered expectations by highlighting licensing issues. Even though Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, not all titles published by the companies are on Game Pass. An official Xbox 360 emulator could face similar roadblocks, where complex licensing agreements keep titles in limbo. Nevertheless, the approach could work for many Xbox console-only games and other retro classics.
An Xbox 360 emulator may not convince console gamers
Critics argue that Microsoft shouldn’t have endorsed the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X without backward compatibility. The Xbox full-screen experience tested in Notebookcheck's review makes launching games more like on the Xbox Series X|S. Still, as with previous Windows handhelds, there are no games exclusive to the device.
Microsoft has also faced questions over its partnership with AMD. Some naysayers think the endeavor will produce PC/console hybrids rather than traditional gaming systems. However, Corden denied reports that all new Xbox consoles will rely only on Windows. There is no official confirmation from Microsoft, but the insider expects future systems to support all Xbox games.
Xbox President Sarah Bond has stated that Microsoft will continue developing its own hardware. Nevertheless, after price increases and a move toward cross-platform publishing, fans have their doubts.
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