As part of its convergence strategy between its console and PC ecosystems, Microsoft is formalizing the backward compatibility of original Xbox games on PC. An initiative called Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC.
In preliminary version, this program begins with a first wave of four classic titlesnow available to gamers on PC and Windows-compatible handheld consoles, like the ROG Xbox Ally.
What are the first games affected?
Players can rediscover today BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge et Fusion Frenzy. These games are available for individual purchase on PC.
Access is also simplified for subscribers, since these titles are included in all subscriptions Xbox Game Pass.
For players who already own a digital license of these games on console, it will automatically be extended to their PC thanks to the Xbox Play Anywhere functionality. A game can continue on any compatible device.
With technical improvements
To preserve the essence of the original gameplay while adapting it to modern standards, technical improvements have been integrated. Players will be able to benefit from graphic options, such as definition scaling. up to 4x.
The list of optimizations also includes support for VSyncfull screen or windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering and amended antialiasing.
Furthermore and in another register, Successes (Achievements) will be added to the games with an update in the coming months.
A preservation of video game heritage?
” Your library is more than just a collection of games. It tells your story of epic adventures and precious memories. As technology continues to evolve, we don’t want to leave our gaming heritage behind “, writes an Xbox manager.
” We want our library to stay with us over time and be able to rediscover our games in entirely new ways. “A strategy that seems to pave the way for future consoles like Project Helix.
