M+E Connections

Microsoft continues to expand the number of games from older-generation Xbox video game consoles that can be played on Xbox One consoles, as well as the number of previously-released titles that are being enhanced to run in 4K Ultra High-Def (UHD) on the coming Xbox One X console, according to Aaron Greenberg, GM of Xbox games marketing.

“We have over 400 titles available on backward compatibility today, and we’re adding more every day,” he said during the company’s media event that was webcast from the annual Gamescom show in Cologne, Germany, Aug. 20.

Microsoft previously disclosed at E3 in Los Angeles in June that it was looking to expand the Xbox One Backward Compatibility program library of 385 popular Xbox 360 games to include original Xbox game titles, starting with fan favorite “Crimson Skies.” Microsoft said at the time that it had “seen tremendous growth” in the Backward Compatibility program since it was started by the company two years ago. More than 50% of Xbox One gamers had already played a backward-compatible game, Microsoft said in June, noting those customers had requested more titles.

The company, meanwhile, is working to enhance the Microsoft Studios-published Xbox One game “Halo 5” by adding 4K, Greenberg said at Gamescom. He also disclosed that the company is enhancing the Microsoft Studios-published Xbox One title “Quantum Break” from last year.

In all, more than 100 new and existing Xbox One titles are being enhanced to take advantage of 4K and other capabilities of the Xbox One X console, including High Dynamic Range (HDR), he said, adding: “The list will keep growing.”

The 4K upgrades are being provided to consumers who already bought the games at no extra cost, he noted.

At E3 in June, Microsoft revealed that the games “Gears of War 4,” “Forza Horizon 3,” “Minecraft,” “Resident Evil 7,” “Final Fantasy 15,” “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands,” “Rocket League” and dozens of other popular Xbox One titles would receive free updates to take full advantage of the power of Xbox One X. At least some of those titles will be enhanced to run in true 4K and with HDR, and many will be available when the Xbox One X goes on sale Nov. 7 at $499, Microsoft said at the time.

Xbox One X development kits started being sent out to game developers and, “a couple of months in,” the “response has been great,” Greenberg said at Gamescom.
Microsoft started taking preorders for a limited-edition Project Scorpio Edition of Xbox One X that will include a custom color, exclusive vertical stand and “Project Scorpio” printed on the console and controller, it also disclosed at Gamescom. Project Scorpio was the code name of Xbox One X when Microsoft announced it at last year’s E3.

At last year’s E3, Microsoft also introduced the Xbox One S, a slimmer version of the current Xbox One that added 4K movie viewing capability and HDR.

Also at Gamescom Aug. 20, Microsoft unveiled an Xbox One S “Minecraft” Limited Edition Bundle at $499 that includes a 1-TB custom-designed version of Xbox One S, a wireless controller, vertical stand and transparent underside with Redstone circuit accents that it said light up when the console is on. The bundle is available for preorder now and will ship in all Xbox One markets, except China and Brazil, Oct. 3, at $399 in the U.S. Also new are two accompanying limited edition, “Minecraft”-themed wireless controllers: a pink “Pig” version and one with a green “Creeper” design, both arriving Sept. 5 at $74.99 each.

The company also introduced Xbox One S console bundles that will come with the game “Shadow of War” and ship Oct. 10 in 500-GB and 1-TB versions at $279 and $349, respectively. The 1-TB SKU will be available in all markets except China and Japan, while the 500-GB SKU will be available in all markets except the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Japan and Mexico, Microsoft said.

Microsoft is also expanding its $9.99-a-month Xbox Game Pass subscription service to eight new countries: Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey and United Arab Emirates, all on Sept. 8, it said at Gamescom. The service launched June 1 in 31 countries and now offers more than 100 Xbox One and backward-compatible Xbox 360 games for download and play, Greenberg said, noting Microsoft will soon add seven new titles. Those new games will arrive Aug. 29 and Sept. 1, and include “The Bridge,” “Fable II,” “Garou: Mark of the Wolves,” “Hue,” “Metro: Last Light Redux,” “ReCore Definitive Edition” and “10 Second Ninja X,” Microsoft said.