A groundbreaking community project recently announced has provided emulation enthusiasts with a potential solution to play Xbox One games on Windows PCs, marking a significant advancement in console emulation.
XWine1, not an emulator but a translation layer, allows Xbox software to be “translated” and run on Windows PCs. This approach is akin to the Proton compatibility layer on the Steam Deck, which enables Windows titles to be compatible with the Deck’s Linux-based OS.
Initially, the XWine1 team reported on September 8 that six games, including Minecraft: Xbox One Edition, Limbo, Peggle 2, Undertale, and Sonic Mania, were fully playable. Subsequently, other games have demonstrated partial functionality with the layer, such as being able to progress through the intros in Forza Horizon 2 and reach the menu in Forza Horizon 3.
Introducing XWine1, an Xbox One translation layer for Windows PCs.
Currently six games are fully playable, with others reaching logos and in-game. More news to come! pic.twitter.com/Du6puJz6Dj— XWine1 (@XWineOne) September 8, 2024
Prior to this development, emulating Xbox One games was challenging due to its robust security measures, as noted by content creator Modern Vintage Gamer. The introduction of Collateral Damage this year provided a kernel exploit for the console, allowing users to dump Xbox One game files, decrypt them, and potentially play them outside the console. XWine1 is theoretically compatible with any dumped and decrypted file.
While still in the early stages of development and not yet available for public download, the project aims to eventually be open source when ready, according to the developers.
XWine1 has the potential to make numerous Xbox One exclusives playable, including Halo 5: Guardians. While Xbox Series X and S offer backward compatibility with Xbox One games, initiatives like XWine1 still contribute significantly to game preservation by ensuring these titles remain accessible even if modern console or PC support is discontinued.
