Xbox Game Pass subscribers can now access a selection of classic Noughties titles, with the service adding games such as Conker: Live And Reloaded to its Essential, Premium, and PC tiers. This move marks a significant expansion of Microsoft's efforts to preserve and enhance older games, making them accessible on modern platforms.
The update comes as Microsoft revives its Backwards Compatibility Program, an initiative first launched in 2015 that allowed gamers to play thousands of Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One titles on newer consoles. The programme was paused in 2021 due to what the company cited as licensing, legal, and technical constraints. However, following the announcement of 'Project Helix' earlier this year, the programme has been reinstated with a renewed focus on broadening access to legacy titles.
Beyond Game Pass, four original Xbox titles have also been specifically updated for compatibility with PCs and handheld devices such as the Xbox ROG Ally. These games include Conker: Live And Reloaded, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. This marks the initial phase of a wider strategy to bring a greater number of classic Xbox games to PC over time, with Microsoft promising additional features to enhance the gaming experience.
Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, emphasised the company's commitment to ensuring older games remain playable. She stated, "New tech shouldn't mean leaving behind old games. Today Xbox is launching new tech so you can play the OG Xbox games you own, but now on PC and handhelds." This sentiment was echoed by Xbox's Jason Ronald, who previously highlighted the company's dedication to keeping games from four generations of Xbox playable for years to come, particularly as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations.
This initiative not only caters to nostalgic gamers eager to revisit beloved classics but also introduces these titles to a new generation of players across a wider array of devices. Microsoft's strategy aims to leverage modern technology to improve the visual and gameplay experience of these retro games, while staying true to their original design.