Original Xbox games are coming to Xbox One Backward Compatibility

Microsoft’s Backward Compatibility program on the Xbox One has done a great job of making it so gamers can enjoy their old Xbox 360 games, and now they’re bringing original Xbox classics to the program.

Phil Spencer said that all of the games that become available will both look and play better on the Xbox One, although no specifics were given on how. Sony’s (incredibly limited) PlayStation 2 on PS4 program features games running in native HD, and we have to wonder if original Xbox games brought into backward compatibility will be similar.

Very few specifics were given on the lineup of original Xbox Backward Compatibility, although we do know that Microsoft’s classic Crimson Skies will be one of the first to join in the program. Spencer also noted that over half of Xbox One users have played a backward compatible game, and 385 games are currently participating in the program.

UPDATE: According to Albert Penello, Xbox’s head of marketing, original Xbox game discs will work, as well as digital licenses from the Xbox 360 marketplace. System link is also possible across all three generations of Xbox systems.

Your original Xbox discs will work. Digital licenses will carry over. AND you can system-link play across all three generations.

— Albert Penello (@albertpenello) June 12, 2017