Backwards Compatible Xbox Originals - I am a bit confused

Mate-93 · Dec 1, 2021

Hello!

So, the story started when I purchased Psychonauts through the Microsoft Store (the one I access through Xbox One and SeriesX). This title is backwards compatible with both, Xbox 360 and X1/XSX, however, I was unable to download to my Xbox 360, because it didn’t appear on my Download history. I was later refunded based on the Support Agent’s suggestion, because according to them the license I bought did not include the Xbox 360 version. A few months later I purchased the same game through the Xbox 360’s marketplace and I fell into the same problem, but this time it didn’t appear on my Xbox SX’s „Owned” library. Oddly enough on my Xbox Mobile app it appeared as an Owned title which clearly indicates that it is compatible with Xbox 360/One/SeriesX systems, and on top of that, it was possible to remote download the game through my Xbox App (maybe it was possible because it is also a GamePass title?). Later I realized, I might not receive both versions, because BC compatible games have a “+Xbox One” marking on the Marketplace Icon (on the 360’s Store), but Psychonauts didn’t have this. I tried to purchase another game that had this marking (Full Spectrum Warrior) and it was downloadable on both of my systems (Xbox 360 and SeriesX).

On the picture above you can see that Crimson Skies has the same problem that Psychonauts, it is not indicated that it would be compatible with the new systems, despite it is included on the official BC list. Furthermore, the picture is taken in 10th November, and Concker had the +Xbox One marking back then, but if you check the Store now, the marking will not be there anymore because only those games carry this sign that were recently added to the BC program (Max Payne 2, RD Revolver, Munch’s Oddysee, DoA Ultimate 1/2, etc.) I was worrying what happens if I purchase now the currently discounted Xbox Originals (SplinterCell Double Agent and Sphynx) on the 360’s marketplace but surprisingly they could be downloaded to my SeriesX, even though it wasn’t indicated that they would be compatible with the new system.

So… I really don’t understand.

My questions are:

Are the Xbox Originals downloadable on Xbox One/SX if I purchase them through the Xbox 360's store - and vice versa? Regardless of having this type of indication or not?

If in theory all of these games are compatible with all systems, then why are there exceptions like Psychonauts, and how can I obtain a license the works on all systems without paying twice for the title?

:)

LeoAmes17

For what it's worth, I purchased Psychonauts digitally back when Microsoft was actively promoting the Xbox Originals line on the Xbox 360 back in the late 2000's. And when it joined the backwards compatibility list years later for the Xbox One, my purchase was correctly recognized and it continues to work to this day.

The way it's supposed to work is that original Xbox downloads purchased on the Xbox 360 store that are also on the XB1/Series systems backwards compatibility list, are supposed to be recognized and honored on the Xbox One and Series systems.

And it's also supposed to work in reverse where an original Xbox purchase made on a newer Xbox platform is to be recognized and honored on the Xbox 360 (With the caveat that this latest and final round of backwards compatibility additions for the first time included several original Xbox games that weren't on the Xbox 360 BC list and thus aren't 360 compatible).

Something's screwy at Microsoft's end in recent weeks. Purchase licenses for cross-compatible titles aren't always being correctly shared between the Xbox 360 storefront and the XB1/Series systems storefront.

There's not an obvious pattern to these issues, either, which might prove to be problematic if they ever try to fix it. For instance four of my old XBLA purchases made it with this last round of BC additions and of those, two of my purchases were correctly recognized on my Xbox One (With Scramble and Time Pilot not recognized as being owned by me on my XB1).

Yet a buddy that has owned both as long as I have had his old purchase of Scramble recognized on his Series S and was able to download and install it fine, with only Time Pilot not correctly recognized as owned.

ngocphi

Better question which console do you have

And yes it's important

Mate-93

I have both, the Xbox 360 and the SeriesX. I'm not planning to get rid of the 360 anytime soon, because I still have 20+ games that are native 360 or Originals that are compatible on the 360 but didn't make it to the X1/XSX's BC list.

xSIK BU11ETx

What about the original Star War Battlefronts? Love to play those again fingers still crossed for backwards compatibility as my Xbox original bit the dust last summer.

Sitchenn

I am sorry to say that no more new titles will be added for backwards compatibility as of June 10, 2019:

E3 2019: What’s Next for Xbox Backward Compatibility

Perhaps once Series X is available, the list will continue to expand with Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One backwards compatibility. For now though, sorry!

Xbox One Backwards Compatible List

Backwards Compatible Xbox Originals - I am a bit confused