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Microsoft is bringing original XBOX games to your PC and handhelds

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Why This Matters

Microsoft's introduction of Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC and handhelds marks a significant step in preserving gaming history and expanding access to classic titles. This initiative allows players to enjoy original Xbox games with enhanced features, bridging the gap between past and present gaming experiences. It also highlights Microsoft's commitment to game preservation and improving user engagement across platforms.

Key Takeaways

Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

TL;DR Microsoft is rolling out XBOX Backward Compatibility on PC.

Players will now be able to play original XBOX games on PC and handhelds.

You’ll also be able to enhance the experience with features such as 4x resolution upscaling, VSync support, enhanced anti-aliasing, and more.

To this day, there are still people who love playing original XBOX games. But if you don’t want to break out your original XBOX hardware, you’ll now have a new way to access these classic titles. Microsoft is rolling out a new program that will let you play these games on PCs and handhelds.

In a blog post, Microsoft announced the launch of XBOX Backward Compatibility on PC. The program will allow you to play original XBOX games on PCs and handhelds. According to the company, this program “marks the beginning of a broader effort to preserve XBOX games from the past and bring them to PC.”

The program is launching with four titles, which include BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. Microsoft plans to expand this lineup over time, but it’s unknown how long it will be before more are added. You’ll be able to purchase these four games on PC and all Game Pass plans. However, if you already have the digital license, that license will now carry over to your PC or handheld.

XBOX Backward Compatibility will also bring new features to enhance the experience. A few of these features are 4x resolution upscaling, VSync support, enhanced anti-aliasing, fullscreen and windowed display modes, and anisotropic filtering. On top of that, there are also customizable language and audio settings. As a final surprise, Microsoft says it will bring Achievements to these games later this year.

To be able to run XBOX Backward Compatibility for PC, you’ll need a system with the following specifications: GPU: Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550 or Intel UHD 770 or Intel Arc A310

Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550 or Intel UHD 770 or Intel Arc A310 CPU: Minimum four cores Intel Core i3-8100, AMD Ryzen 3 1200, or AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor

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