MICROSOFT TO BRING XBOX 360 GAMES TO PC AND HANDHELD DEVICES

Microsoft is planning to bring Xbox 360 games to PC alongside its recently announced original Xbox titles, according to a document shared with developers. The initiative will allow Xbox 360 games to run on the upcoming Project Helix console, Xbox PCs and handheld devices. Developers will be able to opt into making their titles backward compatible, with control over pricing and Game Pass availability. The rollout is expected to occur gradually between 2027 and 2028 across next-generation devices.

The move builds on Microsoft's efforts to create a unified digital ecosystem spanning multiple platforms, similar to existing Steam functionality. A separate disc-to-digital programme will allow players to obtain a digital licence for Xbox One and Series games they already own on physical disc. Under this system, the digital licence binds to both the disc and the player's account, remaining accessible across Xbox devices. However, if a disc changes hands, the digital licence transfers to the new owner, allowing the original owner to no longer access the digital version.

The disc-to-digital programme was originally scheduled to enter public beta for Xbox Insiders in July with broader availability in August, according to the document. The original Xbox games programme is set for a full launch in October 2026, following an initial release in July that included four titles. These initiatives align with broader industry trends towards all-digital futures, with Sony having already declared game discs obsolete. Microsoft has not announced an official launch date for the Xbox 360 backwards compatibility programme on PC.