Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has previously stated his desire to revive classic games, including Blizzard Entertainment, that are available under theXboxportfolio.
While this may mean a revival and modern releases of beloved franchises like StarCraft, it could mean something entirely different, such as re-releasing older, classic games with modern enhancements.
Since the posting of this article, Xenia representatives have denied that the company is working with Xbox on this project, as Microsoft has an in-house Xbox 360 emulator.
We’ve already seen this happen with the recent shadowdrop ofElder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, though to be fair, that’s a complete remaster. Still, there’s reporting being done that indicates Xbox’s long-term plans.
8 Best Classic Xbox Games On Game Pass
From Gears of War to Ninja Gaiden, these are the best classic Xbox games available on Xbox Game Pass.
Our sister site, Game Rant, reported last month that anXbox emulator is being developed for Windows. They also reported that Microsoft had a job posted in May 2025 that would not only involve building “the next evolution in Xbox Game Compatibility,” but also help “secure the future of Game Preservation.”
“Your work will help identify and outline the specific requirements and security boundaries for protecting game content, build scalable emulation solutions, and ensure a safe and fun gameplay experience for all players,” the posting said. “Our technology solutions are a critical part of enabling the Xbox goal of allowing players to experience their games on any device.”
The role is responsible for helping to implement an Xbox backward compatibility game security system and work alongside other experienced emulation engineers that will both protect game content and also “improve the experience of installing compatible games,” as well as helping to emulate older, classic games on modern platforms."
Reliable Xbox Leaker Says That Xbox Will Bring Original Xbox and Xbox 360 Games To Modern Platforms
Xbox leakereXra1s, who recently reported on thenew Xbox handheldand thelayoffs/restructuring at Codemasters, says one of his sources confirms the upcoming Xbox Classics (internal, provisional name) project.
This isn’t a simple re-release of fully backward compatible games ofclassic OG Xboxand360 gamesfor Xbox Series X|S. Instead, these games will have performance updates, graphical improvements, and integration with Game Pass and xCloud.
“Xbox is creating an emulation for 360 and original Xbox games,” he said. “This emulator will allow you to run Xbox 360 and original Xbox games…on all the platforms on which you can use the Xbox application.”
Over 50 Classic Games Are Coming to Xbox Game Pass
Turn back the clock with these retro classics coming to Game Pass.
eXra1s said that Microsoft is working with the Xenia team, best known for their work on a PC emulator for Xbox 360 games.
Coincidentally, the 25th anniversary of the Xbox brand is coming up, and Phil Spencer teased the return of a classic Xbox franchise at the end of the recent Xbox Games Showcase event. Everyone, myself included, assumed he was talking about Halo, but this would also be a very nice surprise.
One possible hurdle is the licensing issues that may come with certain games. I loveProject Gotham Racing, but bringing back those games also comes with the nightmare of obtaining the rights to use the songs in the game’s soundtrack. Here’s to hoping that Microsoft can make it work, as this could be a game-changer for the industry.
For those who can’t wait for this to become a reality,Gears of War: Reloadedwill be released on August 26th for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
