No surprise they have assembled a squad for it
Xbox backwards compatibility has proven to be a remarkable asset throughout the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S eras, but as the upcoming Xbox console is set to be a drastically different device, it will pose new challenges for this initiative.
This week, we’ve observed how the Nintendo Switch 2 will utilize emulation to run Switch 1 games, and there is a small, yet essential list of titles that reportedly still face issues running on the Switch 2 as of this moment.
This is nothing new in the realm of Xbox. You might remember that the Xbox 360 offered a degree of backwards compatibility with original Xbox titles, also using emulation to run them—resulting in varied outcomes. Some games ran perfectly, but from personal experience, I can attest that titles like WWE Raw and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban are rife with lag and system glitches!
Microsoft has done a commendable job ensuring that many original Xbox and Xbox 360 games operate smoothly on modern consoles, but extensive work went into achieving those impressive results—each title had to go through rigorous testing.
Now, it seems the effort has recommenced. Reports indicate that a new game preservation and forward compatibility team has been established within Xbox for the next generation, and if we are anticipating a Windows-based console and a handheld device in development, the task of emulating console games for these platforms could prove more challenging than ever.
I’m presuming that all Xbox One titles that function on Xbox Series X and S were primarily effective without substantial alterations—but that may not hold true for the next Xbox console and handheld. We could be referring to thousands of titles that need to be retested and adjusted to prepare them for the upcoming console generation.
The good news is that Team Xbox appears very devoted to this cause—let’s hope all that diligent work yields positive outcomes!
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Fraser is the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he dedicates his time to covering the best stories in the gaming world.