Is the Xbox One backward compatible?

Xbox One is not backwards compatible. We show them how you can still play Xbox 360 games on Xbox One.

Connect Xbox One and Xbox 360 via HDMI

The Xbox One itself is not backwards compatible. So you can't currently play Xbox 360 games directly on Xbox One simply by inserting the DVD.

• Nevertheless, it is possible to combine Xbox 360 games with Xbox One functions, such as the community features and the docking function.
• To do this, use the media center properties of Xbox One.
• In addition to your Xbox One, you also need an Xbox 360 console with an HDMI connection and an HDMI cable.
• Connect the Xbox 360's HDMI output to the Xbox One's HDMI input. This is the right HDMI input on the back of Xbox One.
• You connect the HDMI output of the Xbox One to the television as usual.
• Now start both consoles and open the TV app of your Xbox One. You should now see the Xbox 360 menu here.
• You can use the Xbox 360 as usual with a connected Xbox 360 controller.
• You can run the TV app in full screen mode. You can also use other Xbox One features through Kinect voice commands.
• This setup should support 1080p. There is a slight delay between the controller input and the display.

Xbox One hack doesn't work

A hack guide is circulating on the Internet, according to which you can supposedly make the Xbox One backward compatible. This hack doesn't work and even makes the console unusable.

• According to the alleged instructions, you should quickly press a certain key combination in the system menu and change some developer settings.
• This is said to be enough to be able to play Xbox 360 games on Xbox One.
• Instead, the Xbox One now restarts continuously and is therefore no longer usable.
• We do not recommend researching and performing these steps in detail. We only mention the hack to explicitly warn against it.

PS3 and PS4 also face the question of backward compatibility. We explain here if and how you can play PS3 games on PS4.