Microsoft To Bring Back Its Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program In 2026, Says The Verge

What is coming next for Xbox is no secret as of this past week. Publicly, Microsoft officially revealed ‘Project Helix’ – the next-generation codename for its upcoming console. What has been officially confirmed thus far is that the team is working on the new system to be a hybrid system for both console & PC qualities, former Xbox president Sarah Bond stated back in November. 

Intentions are also high for this new system too. Just at GDC this week, Microsoft shared its abridged ‘Xbox Mode’ for PC is to roll out next month in April. And, developer kits for Project Helix are to be readied to ship alpha builds by 2027. Other ambitions that the Xbox firm are striving for is the reputation the platform once donned in its previous life. Upon taking leadership, Asha Sharma shared the ‘rebellious’ moniker for Xbox is a core tenet to be recaptured.

Another aspect that many associate Xbox with currently is backwards compatibility. Although it ceased further additions since 2021, the program has remained a hallmark feature unlike anything on opposing platforms. Elsewhere at GDC from The Verge’s Tom Warren, hints are being tossed around that the program is to return with new energy later in 2026 for the platform celebrating 25 years.

“As part of our 25th anniversary later this year, [the game preservation team] will release some iconic games from the past that are now going to be able to be played in entirely new ways,” Warren echoed from Jason Ronald at GDC in the X post. The conversation surrounding legacy support on Xbox has remained a focal point as the firm has pushed silent updates & cloud streaming for the program over the years.

Additionally, murmurs of the program finding new life have surfaced before. In 2024, Bond did impress that legacy support is a focus for the platform with its efforts moving to new hardware. And, AMD CEO Lisa Su also reiterated the sentiment with PC as well as cloud streaming being part of the conversation alongside in-house console. You can read the full report by heading here.

What do you hope will come from backwards compatibility when it returns later this year?