Microsoft expands PC backward compatibility with 21 classic Xbox titles and new achievements

Key points

• Microsoft added 21 new original Xbox games to its PC backward compatibility program, bringing the total to 25 titles.
• The new batch includes 11 Star Wars titles, such as Knights of the Old Republic and Battlefront II, alongside classics like The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and TimeSplitters 2.
• Four games—Knights of the Old Republic, its sequel, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, and Conker: Live and Reloaded—now support achievements for the first time on both PC and Xbox consoles.
• All 25 titles now support mouse and keyboard input, and several are available via Xbox Game Pass.
• Microsoft states that more titles will receive achievement support in the future, and all games are available in supported countries.

Background

Microsoft first introduced four original Xbox games to PC backward compatibility in the summer of 2026. The current expansion builds on that initial rollout, adding 21 more titles to the program. This move coincides with the Xbox 25th anniversary, which has featured various nostalgia-driven announcements and features.

How outlets are covering it

Windows Central highlights the significance of the achievement support, noting that it allows players to earn Mythic achievements in classic titles for the first time. The outlet also mentions that fans had hoped for more titles, such as Singularity and Skylanders, to be added to the program. Xbox Wire emphasizes the expansion of the backward compatibility program and the addition of achievements as a top requested feature from the community. TechPowerUp notes that many of the new titles were already available on PC, suggesting that the main benefit is for console owners who can now play them on PC. Pure Xbox focuses on the achievement support, noting that players may need to update their consoles to access the new features. The outlets generally agree on the facts but differ in their emphasis, with Windows Central and Pure Xbox highlighting the achievement support, while TechPowerUp questions the value of adding titles that were already available on PC.

Why it matters

The expansion of the backward compatibility program on PC makes it easier for players to access classic Xbox titles on their computers. The addition of achievements for select titles provides a new way for players to engage with these games and earn rewards for their progress. This move also helps preserve classic games and makes them accessible to a wider audience.

What to watch

Microsoft has stated that it plans to bring achievements to more original Xbox games over time. The company has also indicated that it will continue to expand the backward compatibility program on PC, adding more titles in the future. Players can expect more announcements and updates as part of the Xbox 25th anniversary celebration.