Emulator Team Denies Rumors of Microsoft Collaboration on Xbox Classics Backwards Compatibility

Xbox

The buzz around a potential partnership between Microsoft and the creators of the Xenia Xbox 360 emulator has officially been put to rest. In a recent statement, the Xenia team has firmly denied any involvement with Microsoft in developing a new backwards compatibility initiative.

The rumor originated from Spanish YouTuber eXtas1s, who claimed that Microsoft was working on an “advanced emulation platform” codenamed Xbox Classics. According to his sources, this platform was designed to bring original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles to PC, Xbox consoles, and the cloud with enhancements like improved stability, better visuals, and Game Pass integration. He also suggested that Microsoft was collaborating with the Xenia emulator team—a well-known open-source emulator project that focuses on Xbox 360 games.

However, that claim has now been publicly debunked. In a formal statement shared in the official Xenia Discord, the team clarified their position:

“The Xenia (and Xenia Canary, by extension) team is by no means associated with, nor working alongside Microsoft in any capacity. Microsoft uses their own emulation to provide backwards compatibility on Xbox One/Series consoles and as such has no reason to collaborate with Xenia, even if they decided to bring these titles to PC.”

This response follows earlier remarks the team made informally within their community, but the latest statement aims to close the door on speculation altogether. They emphasized that Xenia remains a community-driven project, committed to legal emulation practices, and continues to operate independently without any official ties to Xbox or Microsoft.

The rumor had initially gained steam due to its timing and scope. It aligned with Xbox’s upcoming 25th anniversary in 2026, with eXtas1s suggesting that Microsoft might unveil the emulation platform in two waves during the anniversary year. The idea of older fan-favorite games returning—enhanced for modern hardware and cloud access—sparked excitement across social media and forums.

Microsoft’s most recent update to its backwards compatibility program came back in 2021, when over 70 classic titles were added in celebration of the platform's 20th anniversary. Since then, there’s been little indication that new additions are on the horizon.

Although Xenia's denial doesn't imply that Microsoft isn't planning on "Classics", it clarifies that (if they are doing it) they are not doing so with Xenia's direct involvement.