Xbox Series X is designed for backwards compatibility and inclusion

Microsoft's next generation console, the Xbox Series X will usher in a new era of console gaming that pushes the envelope in performance and graphics. It will also inherit a large library of games from previous consoles thanks to built-in bakcwards compatibility and an openness to retrofitting older titles. Jason Ronald, Partner Director of Program Management for the Xbox Platform Team, published an Xbox Wire post that details the Xbox team’s journey to make Xbox Series X the most compatible console ever, which required significant innovation in the design of the custom processor and Xbox operating system.

"Thousands of developers from across the globe are currently creating the next generation of transformative games, many of which can only be realized through the power and innovation of the Xbox Series X. Led by Halo Infinite, our 15 Xbox Game Studios teams are hard at work creating the biggest and best line up of exclusives in Xbox history. We are incredibly excited to show many of the new games in development for Xbox Series X soon," Ronald said in the post.

Backwards compatibility of older games on newer hardware can be as simple as being able to play the game with improved graphics and frame-rates, the addition of 4K and HDR content, and general improvements in loading times. For many avid gamers who keep older consoles around just to play favourite games, this approach makes it possible to continue playing classic games without the need to hold on to older hardware. Xbox Series X seems to differ in its approach to Sony's PlayStation 5, which doesn't seem to focus on backward compatibility as much.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has been quite ardent at ensuring older games can coexist with new hardware. "Through a tremendous amount of hard work, technical innovation, and partnership with the industry’s leading creators we were not only able to bring more than 500 Xbox 360 games to Xbox One, we were able to go back even further into the archives and resurrect some of your favorite franchises from the original Xbox. The very same team who created new innovative ways to preserve and enhance your existing catalog of games on Xbox One is the same team pushing the envelope again with Xbox Series X," Ronald points out. We're looking forward to seeing the full list of titles coming to the Xbox Series X this year.