According to Spanish YouTuber eXtas1s, Xbox is working on a major backwards compatibility project tentatively called “Xbox Classics.” This initiative aims to improve emulation for original Xbox and Xbox 360 games, offering better stability and graphical enhancements.
The new platform is described as an advanced emulation system designed to integrate fully with Xbox Game Pass, PC, current consoles, portable devices like the ROG Xbox Ally, and cloud gaming. It is expected to support multiple devices seamlessly.
Xbox may reveal “Xbox Classics” in two phases during 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Xbox brand. However, exact dates are not confirmed.
Notably, Microsoft is said to be collaborating directly with the developers of the unofficial Xbox 360 emulator Xenia to help realize this project.
A shortlist of titles reportedly being optimized for this platform includes Fable 2, Skate 3, Gears of War 3, and Batman: Arkham Asylum. These games are expected to benefit from improved stability, higher frame rates, and compatibility across both PC and cloud.
Other potential titles under consideration 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. Xbox aims not only to revive classic games but also to optimize their performance across various platforms, including portable hardware and smart devices.
The report also suggests that Xbox plans to deliver three versions of each game: console, PC, and cloud. This approach would mark a significant upgrade from the current system that primarily targets Xbox One and newer consoles.
As these details are based on leaks and rumors, they should be regarded cautiously until officially confirmed. Nonetheless, the project signals a promising step toward enhancing backwards compatibility on the Xbox ecosystem in 2026.