Microsoft could make it possible for us to play Xbox games on our computers as soon as this October

Xbox recently unveiled its plans to let us play console video games on PC. Starting with Xbox games and a very limited catalog, it’s still in the process of expanding it further. And it seems we already have firmer dates for when that will happen. Because documents leaked to The Verge pin down when the first Xbox 360 games would arrive and what the roadmap is for this service, which is clearly a long-term plan.

Long-awaited backward compatibility

To start with, the plan is that we’ll be able to play Xbox games starting this October. Mainly because Xbox wants its next console, Helix, to be compatible with both console and PC games. So, the goal is to make the games backward compatible, and the first step will be to make the original Xbox games playable on PC.

Similarly, Xbox 360 games will be backward compatible at some point between 2027 and 2028, which will also be available on GamePass. But with one small catch. It’ll be up to developers to decide whether to join the initiative, so it won’t be a complete catalog: only titles from developers that opt in will be included. But in return, these games will be playable both on PC and on Xbox’s next-generation console or consoles, whenever they happen to launch.

At the same time, a beta of the program for turning disc games into digital ones will launch this July, with an official launch in August. So, if these leaks are correct, it seems Microsoft has decided to make this the summer to dust off your old Xbox games and make sure you give them a new lease on life.