Microsoft plans to make Xbox 360 titles available on PC platforms

Microsoft is extending its cross-platform strategy by permitting Xbox 360 games to run on PC, the next-generation Project Helix console, and handheld devices, as detailed in a leaked developer brief. This follows the earlier plan to bring original Xbox titles to PC, creating a unified Xbox catalog similar to existing services like Steam. Participation will be optional for developers, who will retain control over pricing and Game Pass availability.

The rollout is described as gradual, targeting the period from 2027 through 2028, while the full launch of original Xbox games on PC is set for October 2026. The memo also outlines a disc-to-digital conversion system that grants a digital license when a physical disc is inserted into an Xbox console, with the license transferring if the disc changes owners. The initiative aligns with Microsoft’s broader shift toward disc-free consoles after recent Xbox restructuring and studio sales.