Microsoft is reportedly preparing to bring its old Xbox 360 games to PCs, gaming handhelds and its next-generation Project Helix console as part of a major expansion of its backward compatibility program.

Leaked documents seen by The Verge suggest publishers will be able to opt Xbox 360 titles into the program, with a gradual rollout planned between 2027 and 2028.

Microsoft would handle the technical work, including emulation, compatibility testing, certification, storefront support, updates and ongoing maintenance.

Publishers would retain control over pricing, branding and whether individual games are made available through Xbox Game Pass.

The move would build on Microsoft’s recently launched PC backward compatibility program, which currently allows users to play four original Xbox titles on Windows 11 PCs and supported handhelds.

A broader rollout of original Xbox games is reportedly planned for October.

The leaked material also provides more detail on Microsoft’s proposed disc-to-digital system for Xbox One and Xbox Series games.

Under the system, users could insert a supported physical disc into a compatible Xbox console and receive a digital licence linked to both their account and the disc.

That licence would remain available across supported Xbox devices while the player retained ownership of the disc. If the disc was sold or transferred, the digital entitlement would reportedly move to the new owner.

A planned July beta was delayed, leaving the launch timing uncertain.

Microsoft has not confirmed the Xbox 360 rollout or the leaked roadmap. Publishers would still need to approve individual titles before they could be released.