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The Verge - Tech
Microsoft is bringing Xbox 360 games to PC
Microsoft is expanding its gaming ecosystem by allowing Xbox 360 titles to be playable on PC. This initiative comes alongside its announcement of Project Helix, a next-gen console aimed at playing PC games. With the gradual rollout expected from 2027 to 2028, developers will have control over aspects like pricing and availability on Game Pass. Additionally, a disc-to-digital program will allow gamers to convert their physical games into digital licenses, maintaining ownership across Xbox devices.
MonitorConfidence: HighMid term horizon
Published 3 Aug 2026, 18:05 UTC2 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Xbox 360 games will be available on PC through Project Helix.
- Developers can choose to make their games backward compatible.
- Players can obtain digital versions of games by inserting their disc in a compatible console.
- The rollout for this feature is set between 2027 and 2028.
- Microsoft is following a strategy to phase out disc drives in gaming consoles.
Interesting facts
- The disc-to-digital program may facilitate trading and selling physical games.
- Microsoft's shift comes after a significant Xbox 'reset' with studio sell-offs and layoffs.
- The licensing model allows for ownership transfers when discs change hands.