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Almost every Xbox One game will be backwards compatible on the Series X at launch

Phil Spencer shares new information on backwards compatibility on the Series X.

Donovan Erskine

July 16, 2020 8:20 AM

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Microsoft is currently gearing up for its reveal event on July 23, where the company is set to showcase several new games coming to the Series X. During this event, we expect to also learn more details about the next-generation console itself. Ahead of the showcase, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer shared an open letter to fans detailing both the current and future state of Xbox, revealing several new details about the Series X in the process. 

The extensive message from Phil Spencer was published on the official Xbox website. Titled “You Are the Future of Gaming,” Spencer talks about the transition from the current generation of gaming to the next. A common concern among fans when moving onto new hardware is the fear that their older games will be lost to time, rendered unplayable on the new console. In his post, Spencer confirms that every Xbox One game will be compatible on the Xbox Series X at launch, except for Kinect games. 

At Xbox, we’re committed to putting you first. In September, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can enjoy unlimited play on your devices—at no additional costhttps://t.co/bCZ0712H87

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 16, 2020

“It’s our intent for all Xbox One games that do not require Kinect to play on Xbox Series X at the launch of the console.” the post reads. This is huge, as it had previously been unclear just how many Xbox One titles would be available to play on the Series X. Microsoft has been making strides to improve backwards compatibility throughout the Xbox One’s life span, and this seems like the next major leap. Of course, Spencer states that these games will both look and play better on the new hardware.

This news comes just one week before Microsoft’s big Xbox event on July 23. As of now, all we know for sure is that the event will give us our first look at Halo Infinite’s campaign. There’s sure to be plenty of unexpected reveals and surprises, and you can read all about them once they drop right here on Shacknews.

Donovan Erskine

News Editor

Donovan is a journalist from Maryland. His oldest gaming memory is playing Pajama Sam on his mom's desktop during weekends. Pokémon Emerald, Halo 2, and the original Star Wars Battlefront 2 were some of the most influential titles in awakening his love for video games. After interning for Shacknews throughout college, Donovan graduated from Bowie State University in 2020 with a major in broadcast journalism and joined the team full-time. He is a huge film fanatic and will talk with you about movies and games all day. You can follow him on twitter @Donimals_