Microsoft Marks Xbox 25th Anniversary with 21 New PC Backward Compatibility Titles and Free Game Bundle

Key points

• Microsoft added 21 original Xbox games to its PC backward compatibility program on November 12, 2026, bringing the total library to 25 titles.
• The new additions include TimeSplitters 2, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Red Faction II, and eleven Star Wars games, such as both Knights of the Old Republic titles and Republic Commando.
• Achievements have been introduced for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, its sequel, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, and Conker: Live and Reloaded, available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series consoles.
• All 25 backward-compatible games now support mouse and keyboard input and are playable on handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally family.
• Microsoft is offering a '25 Years of Xbox' bundle containing 25 free Xbox Game Studios titles, including Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Skyrim Special Edition, for customers who register eligible Windows 11 PCs purchased by December 31, 2026.

Background

This expansion follows the release of the first four original Xbox games on PC earlier in 2026. The move aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to support legacy titles across platforms, including recent updates to cloud gaming libraries and console customization features. The backward compatibility program requires Windows 11 and is currently available only in supported markets.

How outlets are covering it

VideoCardz and Xbox Wire focus on the technical details of the backward compatibility update, emphasizing the addition of 21 new games and the introduction of achievements for four titles. Comic Book Resources highlights the significance of the 25th anniversary and notes that while some games have official PC ports, the Xbox versions offer unique value, particularly through Game Pass inclusion. TechPowerUp shifts focus to a separate promotional offer, detailing a bundle of 25 free games for new Windows 11 PC buyers, which includes titles like Doom and Gears of War: Reloaded. While VideoCardz and Xbox Wire confirm the backward compatibility expansion, TechPowerUp reports on a distinct marketing initiative tied to the same anniversary, indicating a multi-faceted celebration by Microsoft.

Why it matters

The expansion of backward compatibility to 25 titles strengthens Microsoft's commitment to preserving and making accessible the original Xbox library across modern platforms. The addition of achievements for classic games addresses a long-standing community request, enhancing the replayability and engagement of these titles. Furthermore, the free game bundle for new PC buyers serves as a significant incentive for consumers, potentially driving sales of Windows 11 devices and increasing the visibility of Xbox Game Studios titles in the PC market.

What to watch

Microsoft has stated plans to add more original Xbox games to the PC backward compatibility program in the future. The company also intends to expand achievement support to additional original Xbox titles over time. The free game bundle offer remains valid until December 31, 2026, for eligible PC purchases.