Microsoft has released more details regarding backwards compatibility on the Xbox Series X, with a new Xbox Wire post from Jason Ronald, Director of Program Management for Xbox Series X. Ronald describes that backwards compatibility on Series X will take full advantage of its hardware and run natively. As a result, there is no need for any sort of boost mode or downclocking.
Backwards compatible games are optimized to run at their best and can go beyond the performance capabilities on their originally released platform. The games have higher and steady frame rates, as well as maximum visual fidelity. Additionally, load times will be significantly lowered because of Series X’s custom NVMe SSD. Certain titles will have the option to double frame rates from 30 to 60 FPS or 60 to 120 FPS.
The Series X adds automatic HDR support to its backwards compatible titles, including ones from Xbox 360 and original Xbox, at no cost to their performance. The Quick Resume feature will also apply to backwards compatible games. This allows players to switch seamlessly between different games in progress precisely where they left off.
Microsoft is still listening to audience feedback about adding new games to the Xbox compatibility program. However, Ronald notes that there are difficulties in the process, including technical and licensing issues. More details will be revealed as the Xbox Series X release date nears. In the meantime, an Xbox 20/20 event scheduled for July will be showcasing several games in development at Xbox Game Studios. Halo Infinite is confirmed to be there.
