Key Takeaways
1. The latest Xbox consoles can run both digital and disc versions of games from previous Xbox generations.
2. There are concerns about the new Xbox system operating similarly to a Windows PC, affecting backwards compatibility with older games.
3. Leaked information suggests that a new Xbox console may encourage developers to use Win32, linking the Xbox app to Steam.
4. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer supports efforts to preserve older games and has suggested using AI for enhancements.
5. Current compatibility issues exist, with glitches reported on Series S and X, and there’s uncertainty about how a PC-like console would handle backwards compatibility.
One benefit of the latest Xbox consoles is that they can run both digital and disc versions of games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Yet, gamers are a bit worried about the new plans for Xbox consoles. There are talks about a system that operates similarly to a Windows PC. While this could help platforms like Steam, the issue of backwards compatibility with older Xbox games is not very clear.
Leaked Information and New Features
Recently, Windows Central shared a leaked image that showed the Xbox app linking to Steam. In the same piece, Jez Corden mentioned that a new Xbox console would push developers toward using Win32. This 32-bit Windows API could enable the console to work with current PC apps and software. However, a lot of games on Xbox systems are made using a different development setup.
Community Reactions and Support from Microsoft
The insights from Corden have raised some alarms among Xbox gamers. Nevertheless, Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has been backing the company’s efforts to preserve games. Back in February, Spencer even suggested leveraging AI to enhance older games for the latest consoles. Regardless, a console similar to a PC might need to depend on emulation to maintain a library of older games.
Current Compatibility Challenges
The newer Microsoft consoles already implement a kind of OS emulation to run games from past generations. However, players are curious about how this would work for Xbox backwards compatibility on a PC. Even on the Series S and X, gamers have experienced glitches when playing certain classic games. As Microsoft has progressed towards digital gaming, the ability to play physical discs is not guaranteed on a console that resembles Windows.
Project Kennan is a new handheld gaming device designed by Microsoft and created by Asus. Experts do not expect this system to support all Xbox games. Still, it may function as a testing ground while Microsoft incorporates more services into its Xbox app. Another option for achieving backwards compatibility is cloud streaming, but this can lead to latency and bandwidth challenges.
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