Report: Microsoft to bring Xbox 360 games to “Xbox PCs”, handhelds and Project Helix

Microsoft is planning to bring Xbox 360 games to PC and next-generation consoles, according to a leaked developer document obtained by The Verge. The initiative represents an expansion of Microsoft’s recently announced backwards compatibility program, which began with original Xbox titles on Windows 11 PCs.

The leaked memo, sent to developers by Microsoft, outlines support for Xbox 360 games across multiple platforms: “Xbox PCs” (any PC running the Xbox app), handheld gaming devices such as the ROG Ally, and Project Helix, Microsoft’s upcoming next-generation home console. The rollout is planned as a gradual process spanning 2026-2028.

Developers will have significant control over their titles’ availability. Studios can opt into making their Xbox 360 games backwards compatible, set their own pricing, and decide whether to include their games in Xbox Game Pass. This developer-friendly approach mirrors aspects of Microsoft’s original Xbox PC programme.

The backwards compatibility initiative ties into Microsoft’s broader game preservation strategy. The company is simultaneously developing a disc-to-digital conversion feature, allowing players to digitise their physical Xbox One and Xbox Series disc collections into digital versions.

If fully realized, Project Helix could boast an unprecedented backwards compatibility library, theoretically supporting games from every Xbox generation spanning from 2001 to the present, alongside PC games and new Helix titles. This represents a significant commitment to legacy game support compared to other console platforms.

Report: Microsoft to bring Xbox 360 games to “Xbox PCs”, handhelds and Project Helix

Sources