Original Xbox Version of Halo: Combat Evolved Made Available to Play in a Browser
The original Xbox version of Halo: Combat Evolved is now playable in a web browser, courtesy of software developer Mitchell Hynes. Rather than a port or remake, this is the actual original 2001 game running directly in the browser, leveraging decompilation work and hosted on Cloudflare infrastructure.
The browser version features comprehensive multiplayer support for up to 128 players, alongside split-screen co-op gameplay. Hynes made a point to distinguish his release from the controversial 2003 Gearbox PC port, positioning the original experience directly to veteran fans. The response has been remarkable—within just five hours of release, the game recorded nearly 20,000 individual plays while maintaining an impressive average frame rate of 94 FPS.
This achievement represents a significant moment in game preservation, making one of gaming’s most influential titles instantly accessible to both new and nostalgic audiences alike through any standard web browser. The project demonstrates the community’s continued interest in preserving and experiencing classic games, while also showcasing the technical possibilities of running complex software in modern browser environments.