On November 15, 2021, a "final addition" of 76 titles was published as part of the 20th anniversary of the launch of the original Xbox console.
[6][7][8] Senior project management and planning director Albert Penello explained that Microsoft was considering a cloud gaming platform to enable backward compatibility, but he felt it would be "problematic" due to varying internet connection qualities.
[14][15] Launch games included the Gears of War series, Mass Effect, Borderlands, Mirror's Edge, Assassin's Creed II, and more.
Microsoft stated that publishers will only need to provide permission to the company to allow the repackaging, and they expect the list to grow significantly over time.
On January 21, 2016, Microsoft made another ten Xbox 360 games compatible, including The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
On May 13, 2016, Microsoft made Xbox 360 titles with multiple discs compatible, starting with Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut.
[21] While players are not able to access any old game saves or connect to Xbox Live on these titles, system link functions will remain available.
[22] Xbox games do not receive achievement support, although when asked about this component, Spencer responded that they had nothing to announce at the current time.
[24] Spencer noted two reasons for the more limited library were the availability of content rights for the games and the technical difficulties related to the conversion.
[24] At its press briefing for E3 2019 on June 9, 2019, Microsoft announced its future gaming console, Xbox Series X, scheduled for release for the 2020 holiday season.
[25] This was meant to set a fixed target for testing of backward compatibility titles for the Xbox Series X as to make sure their full library was ready in time for launch.
[26] By May 2020, as the Xbox Series X was nearing release, Microsoft announced they were seeking further requests from players of what games to expand their backward compatibility library with.
The company stated, "Resurrecting titles from history often presents a complex mix of technical and licensing challenges, but the team is committed to doing everything we can to continue to preserve our collective gaming legacy.