Since the Xbox Series X's announcement, Microsoft has been slowly releasing more information about the upcoming console to eager players. Outside of its superior specs, one of the console's major advantages is its backwards compatibility with all Xbox One games. However, according to a recent report from Eurogamer, Microsoft is diving even deeper into its archives to grow the Xbox Series X's library of available games.
Microsoft has a history of providing excellent backwards compatibility. Previously, the Xbox One X won praise for supporting Xbox 360 games. While the Xbox Series X's subsequent compatibility with its predecessor makes sense in that context, Microsoft is taking the console's capabilities one step further.
In the report, Microsoft detailed how the Xbox Series X would not only run games from the Xbox 360 and the original Xbox, but it would also improve on the games' presentation to the player. Specifically, Xbox One games will be able to run without an emulation layer, and speed up frame rates, loading times, and image resolution. Engineer Claude Marais demonstrated how the console optimized games and used two monitors to compare the original game's visuals with the Series X's enhanced graphics. While more recent games like Halo 5 saw much improvement and the implementation of previously unseen HDR support, the developer also showed how original Xbox games were optimized, displaying how even a 20-year-old game could be given HDR support.
While this news is exciting and speaks to the impressive technology the Xbox Series X has to offer, it's important to note that at the time of this report, developers are still working on expanding the console's support to older games. According to compatibility program leader Peggy Lo, the team has a "curated" list of games that have been enhanced so far, and is working on improving frame rates and graphics through a variety of methods for differently-made games.
Players with extensive back catalogs should be excited for the Xbox Series X's release. With studios like The Coalition discussing how porting Gears 5 only took two weeks, it's clear that Microsoft places a lot of value in its classic library. Although the PlayStation 5 has received a lot of enthusiasm over the past months, the newest Xbox's offerings might give it an edge when it goes to market later this year.
Xbox Series X will be available this holiday season.
Source: Eurogamer