The upcoming Xbox could have backward compatibility with all previous Xbox generations, pending approval from publishers.

      A leaked memo indicates that Microsoft's upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, might support games from every Xbox generation, though there is a caveat.

      According to a document obtained by The Verge’s Tom Warren, Microsoft has communicated to game publishers its intention for Helix to be backward compatible with games from all previous Xbox consoles, including the original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series, in addition to new titles for Helix and PC games.

      However, playing older Xbox titles on Helix may not be as simple as just inserting a disc, as Microsoft has reportedly not yet made a decision on whether the console will have a disc drive.

      The memo appears to be a proposal, where Microsoft is seeking publishers’ consent for backward compatibility for their older games—permission they wouldn't need if the aim were merely to allow players to access discs they already own. This suggests that digital sales are a priority, and the memo explicitly mentions this benefit for publishers. One section titled “Why publishers win” clearly states that there is potential for publishers to profit from reselling older titles.

      The transition for Xbox One and Xbox Series games might be facilitated through Microsoft’s proposed Disc-to-Digital program, which, according to the document, would not require any action from publishers for each title and would be applicable across all Xbox devices, including Helix. A separate leaked timeline suggests that this program could launch in August.

      Original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles, however, present a different challenge. Enabling those games on Helix will necessitate genuine technical backward compatibility, requiring individual approval from each publisher for every title, along with setting prices and deciding whether they would be included in Xbox Game Pass or sold separately. A phased rollout for Xbox 360 games is anticipated to start in 2027, reflecting the often slow pace of these approvals.

      If Helix indeed aims to encompass four generations of Xbox, achieving this will hinge more on Microsoft’s ability to persuade publishers to agree, one game at a time.

      In related news, Microsoft's plans to keep physical games relevant amidst the shift to a digital library have emerged. A leaked roadmap sent to game publishers outlines the introduction of the Disc-to-Digital program alongside a broader backward-compatibility initiative, targeting an August rollout for general availability, October for original Xbox titles on PC, and a gradual rollout for Xbox 360 games beginning in 2027.

      Additionally, a new gaming mouse from Pwnage allows users to adjust click force and travel using a screwdriver, enhancing customization. This new lightweight gaming mouse, the Pwnage Vanta, is touted as the first of its kind with mechanically adjustable clicks, allowing users to modify the left and right button resistance without needing to swap out switches or add electronics.

      Moreover, MSI has introduced a white 16-inch gaming laptop, the Crosshair A16 HX MLG Edition, which features a 12GB RTX 5070, along with matching accessories like a mouse, headset, and extended mouse pad. The "MLG" in the name stands for Mo-Loong-Gi, or "Dragon Princess," referring to an original character developed by MSI, rather than Major League Gaming.