One advantage of current Xbox consoles is their ability to play digital and disc versions of original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One titles. However, gamers have some concerns after learning about new Xbox console plans. Rumors have described a system that works much like a Windows PC. Steam and other marketplaces will benefit, but backwards compatibility with older Xbox titles is less clear.
Windows Central recently posted a leaked image showing the Xbox app connected Steam. Later in the article, Jez Corden revealed that a new Xbox console would encourage developers to use Win32. The 32-bit Windows API would make the console compatible with existing PC apps and software. However, many titles on Xbox gaming machines use a different development environment.
Corden’s revelations have caused some concern in the Xbox gaming community. Still, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has supported the company’s game preservation efforts. In February, Spencer even proposed using AI to optimize older titles for modern consoles. Regardless, a PC-like console may have to rely on emulation to support a back catalog of games.
Microsoft’s newer consoles already use a form of OS emulation to boot previous-generation games. Nevertheless, players are wondering how this would translate to Xbox backwards compatibility on a PC. Even on the Series S and X, there have been bugs when rendering certain classic titles. As Microsoft has embraced digital gaming, playing physical media is far from a given Windows-based console.
Project Kennan is an upcoming Microsoft-designed PC gaming handheld made by Asus. Analysts don’t anticipate that the system will be able to play all Xbox titles. Still, it could serve as a testbed as Microsoft integrates more platforms into its Xbox app. Cloud streaming is another method for achieving backward compatibility, but it introduces latency and bandwidth issues.
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
