Backward Compatibility
Ongoing coverage on Backward Compatibility.
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Microsoft confirms its next Xbox, Project Helix, will go out to studios next year — 'We plan to ship alpha versions of the hardware to developers beginning in 2027'
Microsoft has provided an update on its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, confirming that alpha versions of the hardware will be distributed to developers starting in 2027. VP Jason Ronald stated that the company is committed to ensuring four generations of Xbox games remain playable. This announcement comes amidst discussions about the future of gaming platforms and Microsoft's long-term investment in the sector.
Microsoft Teases “Iconic” Xbox Games for Backwards Compatibility With “Entirely New Ways” to Play
Microsoft's Xbox division is expanding backwards compatibility with iconic older games playable in new ways, according to VP Jason Ronald. While not fully detailed, hints suggest these games could become available on PC, with Fuzion Frenzy being a notable example. The company is also developing a next-generation console codenamed Project Helix, designed as a hybrid PC/console machine with advanced ray tracing capabilities.
Project Helix: The Next Xbox Is In Development | Console Creatures
Microsoft has announced that its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is in deep development, working in conjunction with AMD. This new console aims to significantly advance ray tracing performance and integrate AI into the graphics pipeline, promising enhanced efficiency and visual fidelity for Xbox and PC games. Developers will receive dev kits next year, and the console is designed to support games from four previous generations of Xbox.
Microsoft Teases "New Ways To Play" Classic Games For Xbox 25th Anniversary
Microsoft is celebrating the Xbox's 25th anniversary by teasing "new ways to play" classic games, emphasizing its commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility across four generations of Xbox. While specific details were not revealed, the company mentioned enabling iconic titles to be played by the next generation in familiar ways. Microsoft also announced that the Xbox Full Screen Experience will launch on PC in April.
Xbox-fans röstar om gamla Xbox-spel de vill ge nytt Xbox-liv på Series och Helix – The Simpsons i topp
Fans on XboxGamePreservation.com are voting on which original Xbox and Xbox 360 games they want to see made backward compatible on modern Xbox consoles like the Series X|S. The Simpsons: Hit & Run is leading the vote, followed by Silent Hill 4: The Room and Burnout 3: Takedown, with seven out of the top ten games being from the original Xbox era.
We asked an AI ‘supercomputer’ to predict what Project Helix might bring to the console war – let’s sift through the nonsense
This article speculates on Microsoft's upcoming 'Project Helix' console generation, using an AI 'supercomputer' to predict its features. Key predictions include deep AI integration, a full Game Pass ecosystem, extensive backward compatibility, powerful hardware, potential modularity, and integration with a handheld device, all possibly launching around 2027. The 'Helix' name is theorized to represent the merging of PC and Xbox gaming ecosystems.
Assassin's Creed Unity Gets a 60FPS Patch on PS5 Tomorrow
Ubisoft is releasing a 60 frames-per-second performance patch for Assassin's Creed Unity on PlayStation 5 tomorrow, March 5th, 2026. This update will enhance the backwards compatibility experience on the console, allowing players to revisit 18th Century Paris with smoother gameplay. This follows similar performance updates for Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Origins, and Syndicate.
"He truly cared about games, about the industry, and about the people making them" – The industry on Phil Spencer
Industry leaders reflect on Phil Spencer's retirement from Xbox after a 25-year career, highlighting his passion for games, player-first approach, and impact on the industry. Figures from Take-Two, Ubisoft, and others shared memories of his leadership, emphasizing his genuine interest in game development and his role in shaping the Xbox and PC ecosystems.
Nintendo Releases Switch 2 Update 20.5.0 With General System Improvements - New Game Network
Nintendo has released system update version 20.5.0 for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, focusing on general system stability improvements. This update, released on September 29, 2025, is the sixth firmware update for the Switch 2 since its June 2025 launch. While official notes cite only stability enhancements, data miners suggest potential changes to time and account handling, possibly including backward compatibility fixes.
Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025
Nintendo has officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, for $449.99, featuring a larger 7.9-inch screen, 4K docked output, and 256GB of storage. The console will support most original Switch games, with optional paid upgrade packs for select titles, and will introduce new features like GameChat and magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers. Launch titles include Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, with more exclusives and third-party support from games like Elden Ring and Hades 2 confirmed.
PS6 will need a disc drive, according to this ex-PlayStation boss
Former Sony Interactive Entertainment president Shawn Layden believes the PlayStation 6 must include a disc drive to avoid alienating a significant portion of the player base who still rely on physical media. He argues that a fully digital console would be a mistake, citing regional internet limitations and the continued demand for physical game purchases, even as services like Xbox Game Pass grow.
Nintendo officially reveals Switch 2 console
Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, confirming a 2025 release date and showcasing features like magnetically attachable Joy-Cons and a USB-C port. The new console will support backward compatibility with original Nintendo Switch games, though some titles may have compatibility issues. Further details are expected in a Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025.
