Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has just revealed Xbox Series X backwards compatibility and it’s a much better value than you might be thinking. If you already own any Xbox One games or accessories, then you’ve got a head start on the next-gen, as Xbox Series X cross-buy means you’ll only have to buy some of the newer games just one time.
A news post on the Xbox website has all the details. Among a bunch of nerdy technical stuff is a section that roughly explains how Xbox Series X backwards compatibility will work. You’ll be able to play your Xbox One games on your shiny new console, of course, but that’s not all, as this new backwards compatibility scheme will also include your accessories.
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Here’s what Mr. Spencer had to say on the matter:
“Our commitment to compatibility means existing Xbox One games, including backward-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, look and play better than ever before. Your favorite games, including titles in Xbox Game Pass, benefit from steadier framerates, faster load times and improved resolution and visual fidelity – all with no developer work required. Your Xbox One gaming accessories also come forward with you.”
I think we probably expected to hear that Xbox One games would work, but having Xbox 360 and Xbox games included is a nice perk for longtime Xbox gamers. It sounds like a pretty sweet deal, but that’s not all!
As part of these new Xbox Series X backwards compatibility features, Microsoft has also revealed Xbox Series X cross-buy. What does that mean for you? Once again, Phil Spencer explains this new “Smart Buy” feature eloquently:
“[Smart Buy] empowers you to buy a game once and know that – whether you are playing it on Xbox One or Xbox Series X – you are getting the right version of that game on whatever Xbox you’re playing on. We’re making the commitment to use Smart Delivery on all our exclusive Xbox Game Studios titles, including Halo Infinite, ensuring you only have to purchase a title once in order to play the best available version for whichever Xbox console they choose to play on.”
If a game qualifies for Smart Buy, you can buy it right now and it will be good to go for the Xbox Series X when you grab it with all of the shiny new bells and whistles you’d expect.
Although this announcement is barely an hour old, developers are already jumping on board, with CD Projekt RED announcing that Cyberpunk 2077 will be a Smart Buy title. You’ll be able to enjoy all of these neat new features and more when the Xbox Series X launches later this year.
