Microsoft has launched Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC, allowing players to access selected original Xbox games on Windows 11 computers and gaming handhelds for the first time.

The program is rolling out in early release with four titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fuzion Frenzy.

The games can be purchased through the Xbox PC app and are included with all Xbox Game Pass plans.

Players who already own a digital console licence for one of the four games will also receive access on PC or a supported handheld, including the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.

However, the program does not currently allow owners of physical Xbox discs to transfer their licences to PC.

Support for Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming means players can access the titles across consoles, PCs, handhelds and compatible cloud gaming devices.

Microsoft has also introduced several visual and performance upgrades while retaining the original gameplay.

The available settings include resolution upscaling of up to four times the original output, VSync, fullscreen and windowed modes, anisotropic filtering and enhanced anti-aliasing.

Language and audio options can also be customised.

Achievements are not available at launch, although Microsoft said they would be added to the four games in the coming months. The company also plans to introduce Achievements to other selected original Xbox games on console and PC later this year.

Minimum requirements include Windows 11, 8GB of RAM and a four-core Intel Core i3-8100, AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor.

Supported entry-level graphics hardware includes Nvidia’s GTX 950, AMD’s Radeon RX 550, Intel UHD 770 and Intel Arc A310.

Xbox vice president of next generation Jason Ronald said the launch marked the beginning of a broader effort to preserve older Xbox games and bring more of the company’s back catalogue to PC.

The backward compatibility launch follows Microsoft’s expansion of its controller-friendly Xbox full-screen experience from gaming handhelds to Windows 11 PCs and tablets earlier this year.

Microsoft has not revealed which titles will join the program next or whether Xbox 360 games will eventually be supported.