Data Backup Digest

Retro gaming is making a comeback in a big way. Not only are new video games being developed to look and act like the classics, but gamers are being given new and innovative ways to revisit their favorite titles from the past. Nowhere is this more evident than Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and its compatibility with Windows 98.

Running a computer operating system that is more than 20 years on a next-gen console is exciting enough, but it actually supports some games from the era, too. This might seem like an obvious feature to some, especially since Microsoft is behind both Windows 98 and the Xbox Series X, but this kind of emulation is quite the achievement for a modern video game console.

It’s Not Available for Everyone

Unfortunately, this kind of emulation isn’t available to all Xbox Series X users. In fact, it’s meant to be limited to developers only. It also requires becoming a member of the Microsoft Partner program, which is a paid subscription.

However, the team at Digital Foundry recently used the RetroArch software emulator to run a functional version of Windows 98 on their Xbox Series X console. They took their testing one step further by playing many popular games that were originally developed for Windows 98, including Command & Conquer, Quake 2, Turok, and more.

But it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. This certainly wasn’t a plug-and-play effort. Instead, the team with Digital Foundry had to tweak some settings and fiddle with some configurations, but they eventually got it up and running. It really goes to highlight the versatility of the Xbox Series X and next-gen video game consoles as a whole.

Other Ways to Play

Thankfully, there are other ways to play classic PC games on your Xbox Series X, too. As a result of some recent console updates, which introduced a Chromium-based web browser, mouse and keyboard support, and compatibility with Nvidia’s GeForce Now platform, Xbox Series X users suddenly have thousands of classic PC games at their fingertips.

But GeForce Now isn’t limited to classic PC games. The platform has new games, too – thus making it possible – at least in theory, to play PC-only games on your Series X console. Moreover, the Xbox Series X is also compatible with Google Stadia, too – although you won’t be able to use your mouse and keyboard for those games.

It’s also important to note that the Xbox Series X isn’t meant to replace the high-end gaming rigs of today. While those who are serious about gaming won’t be able to throw away their gaming desktops and laptops just yet, this does provide a fun, new, and exciting way to enjoy your retro game collection.

For more information on the Microsoft Xbox Series X, please visit their official website at {{https://www.xbox.com|www.xbox.com}}. If you’re interested in learning more about the Nvidia GeForce Now platform, head over to their site at {{https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/|www.nvidia.com}}m. Finally, if you want to learn more about Google Stadia, you can visit their website at {{https://stadia.google.com/|stadia.google.com}}.