Xbox Backward Compatibility launches on PC with four classic games

As rumored earlier this year, Microsoft has officially announced Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC, a new initiative that lets players enjoy select original Xbox classics on Windows PCs and supported handheld gaming devices, including the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.

Rolling out today in early release, the feature launches with four original Xbox titles that are playable on PC for the first time. Microsoft says this is just the start of its long-term commitment towards bringing more classic Xbox games to PC over time while enhancing them with modern features.

Four classic Xbox games lead the Xbox Backward Compatibility PC launch

The first batch of backward compatible games includes:

• BLiNX: The Time Sweeper
• Conker: Live & Reloaded
• Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
• Fuzion Frenzy

All four games are now available for purchase through the Xbox app on PC and are also included with every Xbox Game Pass subscription tier. If you already own a digital copy of these games on Xbox consoles, Microsoft says your license will automatically carry over to PC and supported handhelds through Xbox Play Anywhere.

Players can also access the games across Xbox consoles, PC, supported handhelds, and Xbox Cloud Gaming using the same entitlement.

Enhanced visuals and achievements are on the way

Rather than simply emulating the original releases, Microsoft has added several PC-specific improvements. Players can adjust graphics settings with support for up to 4x resolution upscaling, VSync, fullscreen and windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering, enhanced anti-aliasing, and customizable language and audio settings.

Microsoft also confirmed that one of the most requested features, Achievements, is coming later this year for select original Xbox backward compatible titles. The four launch games will receive achievement support in a future update.

To use Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC, Microsoft recommends running Windows 11 alongside updated graphics drivers. The minimum requirements include a GTX 950, Radeon RX 550, or Intel UHD 770 GPU, an Intel Core i3-8100 or Ryzen 3 1200 processor, and 8GB of RAM.