Backward compatibility
See also: List of Xbox 360 games compatible with
Xbox OneAt its launch, the Xbox One did not have native backward compatibility with original Xbox or Xbox 360 games. Senior project management and planning director Albert Penello explained that Microsoft was considering a cloud gaming platform to enable backward compatibility, but he felt it would be "problematic" due to varying internet connection qualities. Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb did state that users could theoretically use the HDMI-in port on the console to pass, Xbox 360 (or, alternatively, any other device that supports HDMI output, including competing consoles) through Xbox One. This process does generate a small amount of unnoticeable display lag.
During its E3 press conference on June 15, 2015, Microsoft announced plans to introduce Xbox 360 backward compatibility on the Xbox One. Supported Xbox 360 games will run within a software emulator, implementing both the hardware and software of the Xbox 360. Xbox One recording and broadcasting features will be supported, along with Xbox 360 multiplayer, achievements, and cloud save access. Unlike the 360's emulation of the original Xbox, games will not have to be specifically patched but will need to be repackaged in the Xbox One format. Users' digitally-purchased games will automatically appear in their library for download once available. Games on physical media will not be executed directly from disc inserting the disc will initiate a download of a repackaged version. As with
Xbox One titles, the disc must be inserted during play for validation purposes.
Not all
Xbox 360 games will be supported, and games requiring Kinect or access to USB peripherals will never be supported. At least 100 Xbox 360 games will be available for the feature's public launch alongside the November 2015 system update; Xbox One preview program members received early access with a limited number of titles upon the announcement, while the Xbox 360 games contained within Rare Replay are packaged as standalone applications using the Xbox 360 emulation. Microsoft stated that publishers will only need to provide permission to the company to allow the repackaging, and they expect the number of supported games to increase significantly over time. Microsoft, along with fourteen other third-party publishers, will offer supported games, and all Games with Gold titles on Xbox 360 beginning in November 2015 will be made compatible.
Xbox division head Phil Spencer has stated that the idea of possibly adding support for games from the original Xbox was not "silly", but that the Xbox division is focusing on
Xbox 360 compatibility first.