Xbox360 Backward Compatibility List Released-- Posted by XanTium on November 11 22:18 EST
The official 'Backward Compatibility List' for the Xbox 360 has been released on xbox.com:
Check out the full list (containing already over 200 titles) on xbox.com.
The folks at Xbox are working hard to add more of your favorite games to this list, so check back often for the latest updates.
Note: A software emulator is required for each original Xbox game you play on your Xbox 360 console. Please check back for more details as we approach the launch date.
Read the whole FAQ on xbox.com
* Xbox.com: Will there be any benefits to playing original Xbox games on my Xbox 360 console?
* Todd: Absolutely. One of the great things about gaming on Xbox 360 is the satisfaction of knowing that every game will be playable in high definition. We are now proud to reveal that this extends to the original Xbox games as well. Every original Xbox game will be upscaled to 720p and 1080i, and will take advantage of Xbox 360's anti-aliasing capabilities, delivering a picture that is clearer and crisper than anything available on Xbox.
* Xbox.com: How will you deliver the emulators for backward compatibility?
* Todd: There are several different ways that you can get them:
For Xbox Live members (either Gold or Silver members), just connect your Xbox 360 console to Xbox Live and insert an original Xbox game. The system will automatically check if you have the latest emulation software, download it to your Xbox 360 console as part of a system update if you don't, reboot, and start loading your original Xbox game.
Those who are not part of our Xbox Live network will be able to download the emulators from Xbox.com, and burn them onto a CD to insert into your Xbox 360 where it will auto-install the emulator. Or you can go to Xbox.com and simply sign up for a CD to be sent to your home for a nominal shipping and handling fee.
* Xbox.com: What about saved games as well as free and purchased downloadable content? Will that be transferable to Xbox 360?
* Todd: Content will not be transferable from Xbox to Xbox 360, including saved data and downloadable content. However, all free downloadable content for original Xbox games plus premium content for Halo 2 will be available on Xbox Live Marketplace for free. Xbox 360 owners will be able to get this free with an Xbox Live Silver or Gold membership.
* Xbox.com: What if I put in a game that isn't backward compatible?
* Todd: I want to clarify--if a game isn't on the list at Xbox.com/Games, it won't run on your Xbox 360 console. Putting in a game that's not on the list will give you a message saying that the game is not currently supported on Xbox 360 and point you to Xbox.com/Games for more information.
We're working hard to determine the next batch of backward compatible titles, and would love to get feedback directly from gamers as well. We'll have a place on Xbox.com where gamers can tell us their thoughts as we get closer to launch.
* Xbox.com: Are there any emulators already pre-loaded on the hard drive?
* Todd: An early version of the emulator that supports Halo: Combat Evolve(info)d and Halo 2 offline is included on Xbox 360 Hard Drives right out of the box as a special bonus to devoted fans of the franchise. However, to play Halo 2 online, or to play any other titles on the launch list, the full emulator update is required.
* Xbox.com: Can you play games cross-platform? Specifically, can I play Halo 2 on Xbox 360 with my friend who plays it on Xbox?
* Todd: Yes. You can play backward compatible original Xbox games cross-platform from Xbox 360 to Xbox. Personally, I can't wait to see the first Xbox vs. Xbox 360 Halo 2 clan matches pop up on Xbox Live.