Microsoft has capitalized on the lukewarm reception to Sony’s PS5 deep dive by confirming that unlike its competition, the Xbox Series X will launch with full backward compatibility.
Bring your favorite games with you to Xbox Series X! Simply connect your existing external USB hard drive to Xbox Series X and your entire library is instantly accessible. #PowerYourDreams pic.twitter.com/7ysBjnwulg
— Xbox (@Xbox) March 17, 2020
When asked to clarify, the company said that meant the entire Xbox One library, as well all Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles that are already backward compatible.
All games that are currently Backwards Compatible, yes. Plus all Xbox One games.
— Xbox (@Xbox) March 19, 2020
The PlayStation 5, on the other hand, will reportedly launch with backward compatibility for 100 of the most popular PS4 titles. That’s a pretty healthy number, but it pales in comparison to Xbox’s library of backward-compatible titles, which comprise over 600 Xbox 360 and Original Xbox classics.
It’s also unclear when (or even if) the PlayStation 5 will begin supporting older-generation titles from the PSX, PS2, and PS3 era. Lead system architect Mark Cerny only talked about PS4 backward compatibility during Wednesday’s deep dive.