The Xbox Series X and Series S could potentially run PlayStation 3 games, outpacing Sony’s PlayStation 5 in backward compatibility, thanks to an innovative update to Developer Mode. This development highlights Xbox’s continued dominance in emulation capabilities, particularly through its recent integration of Mesa (OpenGL/Vulkan) support. This enhancement theoretically enables emulation of not only PlayStation 3 but potentially even Nintendo Switch games.
A recent demonstration by Modern Vintage Gamer showcases the Xbox Series S, proving its robust emulation capabilities despite recent updates. The alpha-stage Nintendo 3DS emulator Citra is now functioning on both the Xbox Series X and S, hinting at the broad potential for future emulation advancements on these consoles.
Should these developments continue, it would be intriguing to witness games like Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots operating on Xbox consoles. Without Sony’s official implementation of PS3 backward compatibility on the PS5—rumored to be limited to a few select games due to technical constraints—Xbox may well offer a more comprehensive retro gaming experience.
The Developer Mode on the Xbox Series X and S is specially designed for software development and testing on retail units. For enthusiasts and developers interested in accessing this mode, Microsoft’s official website provides extensive information.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 10th July 2024