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XBOX Backward Compatibility on PC announced

Conker just showed up on the German store, downloading it now.

first thing imma do is try looking through the installed files, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a locked down install like old Microsoft Store games or something like that.

edit:
IvoO9UY2GIRWjA73.png

that seems to be the encrypted iso file of the original game.

and here we have the Xenon Fusion (the emulator) executable (xbox executables are .xex files)
YhsD498fN13zXbGp.png


so this confirms that they are indeed using the same emulator as on Xbox 360, Xbox One and Series X|S


edit2:
screenshot max settings (1440p output as I am on my desk not the TV currently, internal res is 1920p tho):
48U64GD080DEfIOX.png

wonder if hex edit works to make it wide screen but the emulator still got letter box
 
wonder if hex edit works to make it wide screen but the emulator still got letter box

I'm not sure how well understood the emulator in itself is.
on Xbox 360 people figured out how to remove the whitelist to run games not officially supported, and how to configure games to use specific config files to run best. even backporting the new versions released on Xbox One and Series X up until 2021, to the Xbox 360 to make even more games playable on it that weren't before.

but not sure how well understood individual changes for stuff like the aspect ratio or fps lock are.

I think this emulator now running on a normal windows 11 PC will accelerate the modding scene for it soon.
this is, I think, the first time that we are running a .xex file in any official capacity on a PC, so lots of tinkerers will probably be interested in it.


but I think the first thing that's gonna happen is people injecting other ISOs into it to run other games on it.
 
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I'm not sure how well understood the emulator in itself is.
on Xbox 360 people figured out how to remove the whitelist to run games not officially supported, and how to configure games to use specific config files to run best.

but not sure how well understood individual changes for stuff like the aspect ratio or fps lock are.

I think this emulator now running on a normal windows 11 PC will accelerate the modding scene for it soon.
this is, I think, the first time that we are running a .xex file in any official capacity on a PC, so lots of tinkerers will probably be interested in it.


but I think the first thing that's gonna happen is people injecting other ISOs into it to run other games on it.

Yesh, exciting time. Otogi 1&2 on pc with proper widescreen support would be amazing.
 
Just so we are clear, this is tied to gamepass (or a purchase of the title OR If you already own a digital license for these games on console, that license now carries over to your PC or handheld.)

So you need to own the game already and be subbed to gamepass to experience these gems on PC (you'll be able to access backward compatible titles through the XBOX on PC app. ), right?

So, for example, if I already own Blinx but do NOT have an active sub to gamepass I cannot play these games on PC, is that correct?
 
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Just so we are clear, this is tied to gamepass (or a purchase of the title OR If you already own a digital license for these games on console, that license now carries over to your PC or handheld.)

So you need to own the game already and be subbed to gamepass to experience these gems on PC (you'll be able to access backward compatible titles through the XBOX on PC app. ), right?

So, for example, if I already own Blinx but do NOT have an active sub to gamepass I cannot play these games on PC, is that correct?

You do not need a Game Pass sub, but they are on Game Pass.
 
Just so we are clear, this is tied to gamepass (or a purchase of the title OR If you already own a digital license for these games on console, that license now carries over to your PC or handheld.)

So you need to own the game already and be subbed to gamepass to experience these gems on PC (you'll be able to access backward compatible titles through the XBOX on PC app. ), right?

So, for example, if I already own Blinx but do NOT have an active sub to gamepass I cannot play these games on PC, is that correct?

if you own a digital copy of any of these games you can play them on all Supported systems. no gamepass needed

even your save state gets carried over from Xbox One/Series X|S and PC.

this makes me wonder,
has anyone tried playing system link? on console you can system link every console gen and play lan multiplayer in Crimson Skies.
so you can play og Xbox vs Xbox 360 vs Xbox One vs Xbox Series X over LAN.
I wonder if the PC version will also just work
 
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Also FWIW I read that these are on the cheap Game Pass sub that comes "free" (*cough*) with Discord Nitro.

So if you are one of those weirdos who pays money for Discord then you already have access to these on PC.
 
Just so we are clear, this is tied to gamepass (or a purchase of the title OR If you already own a digital license for these games on console, that license now carries over to your PC or handheld.)

So you need to own the game already and be subbed to gamepass to experience these gems on PC (you'll be able to access backward compatible titles through the XBOX on PC app. ), right?

So, for example, if I already own Blinx but do NOT have an active sub to gamepass I cannot play these games on PC, is that correct?
What are you smoking?

If you already own the game you get the PC version, don't need any subscription...
 
This is how you preserve games. The opposite of Sony and the PS3 store. Imagine if Sony did this. I wouldn't be mad about the original Demon's Souls on PC. I know I can emulate it, but an official version would be cool.
 
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What are you smoking?

If you already own the game you get the PC version, don't need any subscription...
The wording was less than clear to me when I read the article, them mention the rog device like 50 times (inflated for effect) in the article so I didn't know if players need a gamepass sub as well...which you would if you wanted to play the gamepass versions or not use the windows xbox app on your pc (ie playing on the rog/ally x). I figured if folks had already tried it out they would know and could answer the question.
 
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Xbox App/Gamepass is better than Steam.

Just being honest.

not when actually using the app.

BUT what I absolutely love about Microsoft Store games is that they boot up without a "launcher" as Windows is the launcher...

so it's more oldschool kinda feel to start an Xbox app/Microsoft Store game than it is starting a Steam game, as steam will always first need to start up and then launch the game (unless it's a DRM free game and you removed it from steam, but who does that?)
 
not when actually using the app.

BUT what I absolutely love about Microsoft Store games is that they boot up without a "launcher" as Windows is the launcher...

so it's more oldschool kinda feel to start an Xbox app/Microsoft Store game than it is starting a Steam game, as steam will always first need to start up and then launch the game (unless it's a DRM free game and you removed it from steam, but who does that?)
The other thing I would love was if Xbox app didn't need to open Microsoft Store to update. Just feels clunky.
 
GamePass ltierally provides FREE games and now BC.

Come on, Steam has been outdone.

Gamepass isn't free, those games aren't free, because you're paying a monthly fee. Backwards compatibility is good, it's a start. It's 4 games, we have a ways to go.

Again, Xbox is on the right track in a lot of ways, if they continue to improve maybe they do become better than Steam.
 
The other thing I would love was if Xbox app didn't need to open Microsoft Store to update. Just feels clunky.

it does update automatically in the background. but you can catch it mid update, which is unfortunate.

but I don't think that's inherently an issue, the bigger issue is the Microsoft store itself being clunky.

they should look at how Linux app stores are in terms of snappiness and comfort.
like if it was lightweight and fast, I don't think anyone would mind updating and installing anything from there.

it just needs to be better integrated into Windows and more optimised
 
Just got home and pulled up the library.
If I filter the Owned and Installable I have one of the games
Conker live and reloaded.

I guess I never bought Fusion Frenzy or it was never given away as gold?
 
Just got home and pulled up the library.
If I filter the Owned and Installable I have one of the games
Conker live and reloaded.

I guess I never bought Fusion Frenzy or it was never given away as gold?

are the others even in the store yet? when I looked them up earlier, only Conker was even available. so they are releasing them slowly across all regions it seems
 
it does update automatically in the background. but you can catch it mid update, which is unfortunate.

but I don't think that's inherently an issue, the bigger issue is the Microsoft store itself being clunky.

they should look at how Linux app stores are in terms of snappiness and comfort.
like if it was lightweight and fast, I don't think anyone would mind updating and installing anything from there.

it just needs to be better integrated into Windows and more optimised
I'm probably just too impatient and initiate the update myself. Agreed on ms store needing to be better integrated. It shouldn't feel like a standalone 'app' in my view. Idk maybe people prefer it that way.
 
are the others even in the store yet? when I looked them up earlier, only Conker was even available. so they are releasing them slowly across all regions it seems

I fired up the Xbox the only one of these 4 games I didn't have in my library was Blinx.
Sooooo I bought it.
9.99 That old game better be good.

But yea only Conker is showing up currently.
edit-never mind all 4 are showing up installable
edit edit- The old xbox bootup shows up before the game. :) A few options like Vsync and resolution bump.
 
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I guess I thought I could pop in my Xbox 360 disc into my PC disc drive and play Xbox 360 on my PC. It actually looks like they want me to buy old digital games. Not quite as good, but ok.
 
Fusion Frenzy was the cool-off at my college apartment when everyone was on tilt from Halo. I think we got more out of that game than anyone expected, but in a way that does not speak to the merits of its quality. In fact, I can't remember a single one of the minigames.
 
This is a feature that I have been asking for since Microsoft added the Xbox OG backwards compatibility layer to the Xbox One X and Xbox Series consoles. Microsoft can do it better than anyone one else right now. This is honestly great news.
 
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