Microsoft revealed that they would allow backward compatibility with Original Xbox games on the Xbox One. Microsoft allows both physical and digital copies of the games to be played on the new system, with digital copies available through the Microsoft Store while physical copies must be placed into the Xbox One and downloaded before playing. If a physical copy is used, the disc must stay in the Xbox One while playing.
Certain features for the Original Xbox titles will be disabled such as online multiplayer and achievements while other features will be available without issue such as co-op mode and system-link. Gamers will still be able to use online multiplayer features for Xbox 360 games, as long as they have an Xbox Live subscription. So far, thirteen Original Xbox games are confirmed for release on Xbox One’s Backward Compatible Library.
- Black
- Bloodrayne 2
- Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
- Dead to Rights
- Fuzion Frenzy
- Grabbed by the Ghoulies
- King of Fighters Neowave
- Ninja Gaiden Black
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Psychonauts
- Red Faction II
- Sid Meier’s Pirates!
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Original Xbox games will also experience better graphics with the new Xbox One X’s higher pixel count. Microsoft released videos displaying the changes, using footage from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Fusion: Frenzy. Colors are more vibrant and images are sharper, making the older games seem almost new. A few Xbox 360 games will get improved graphics as well, as seen in Microsoft’s Halo 3 comparison videos. Microsoft has not yet announced other titles that will have graphic improvements, but they “expect to release another curated list of Original Xbox classics in Spring 2018…”
Reddit users have expressed excitement over the new additions, posting speculation about potential future releases and comparing graphics of how old games like Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic will look like on PC versus Xbox One.
Xbox One backward compatibility does not cost extra, and Microsoft has compiled list of all games that are currently available for backward compatibility.