According to a recent report from Spanish YouTuber eXtas1s, Xbox is working on a significant backwards compatibility project tentatively named “Xbox Classics.” The initiative aims to enhance emulation for original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.
The new platform is described as an advanced emulation system designed to deliver improved stability and graphical enhancements. It will fully integrate with Xbox Game Pass and support multiple devices, including PCs, current consoles, handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally, and cloud gaming services.
Sources suggest the announcement may be split into two major updates in 2026, coinciding with Xbox’s 25th anniversary, although no exact dates are confirmed.
Notably, Microsoft is reportedly collaborating directly with the developers of the unofficial Xbox 360 emulator Xenia to facilitate this project. This partnership could enhance compatibility and performance significantly.
A shortlist of games slated for optimization includes Fable 2, Skate 3, Gears of War 3, and Batman: Arkham Asylum. These titles are expected to benefit from better stability, smoother frame rates, and optimizations for both PC and cloud play.
Other potential games under evaluation for the platform include Def Jam: Fight for New York, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, Castle Crashers, Darksiders 2, Prince of Persia (2008), Skate 2, and Left 4 Dead 2.
The project’s goal extends beyond nostalgia, aiming to deliver improved gameplay experiences across various hardware, from portable devices to smart TVs and mobile phones.
Xbox plans three simultaneous versions of each game: console, PC, and cloud editions. This marks a major shift from the current backwards compatibility system, which primarily targets Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Series S consoles.
As of now, these details remain unconfirmed rumors, but the information suggests a promising overhaul potentially launching in 2026.