Xbox One emulators
| |
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Generation | Eighth generation |
| Release date | 2013 |
| Discontinued | 2020 |
| Predecessor | Xbox 360 |
| Successor | Xbox One X & S |
| Emulated | ~ |
- For emulators that run on the Xbox One, see Emulators on Xbox One.
The Xbox One is an eighth-generation home video game console produced by Microsoft on November 22, 2013, and was retailed for $499. It had an AMD 8-core APU at 1.75 GHz and 8 gigabytes of RAM. It has an AMD GPU on the AMD Radeon GCN architecture. Early in its life, it was heavily criticized for intrusive DRM, such as always-online and lack of used game sharing. These have since been removed. Notably, this console runs on the x86 architecture with a modified Windows OS, so it's essentially a watered-down PC.
Contents
Emulators and compatibility layers[edit]
| Name | Platform(s) | Latest Version | One X/S | Hardware features and peripherals |
Enhancements | Compatibility | License | Active | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WinDurango | 
|
git | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A | GPLv3 (Copyleft) | ✓ | ✗ |
| XWine1 |
|
git (WIP, currently private) | ✗ (Not yet) |
✗ | ✗ | 6 playable titles | N/A | ✓ | ? |
| WinEra | ? | N/A | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A | ? | ? | ✗ |
| Spasaha | ? | N/A | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A | ? | ? | ✗ |
| ??? | ? | N/A | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A | ? | ? | ✗ |
Native[edit]
| Name | Latest Version | One X/S | Hardware features and peripherals |
Enhancements | Compatibility | License | Active | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X/S | Patch based | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | 99%[N 1] | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xbox One X/S | Patch based | Native | ✓ | ~ | 100% | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ |
- ↑ Kinect games are incompatible. See Hardware features and peripherals.
Comparisons[edit]
- WinDurango
- WinDurango (formerly "XBONEmu")[1] is a compatibility layer and still in early development. Following recent news about the ability to dump Xbox One games, the project lead has decided to relaunch and seek additional C++ developers with expertise in Windows internals. Currently unknown in terms of how many people are involved - stands out as the only compatibility layer that is currently open source.
- XWine1
- XWine1, an Xbox One translation layer for Windows PCs. Currently it has limited amount of fully playable compatible games, with others reaching logos and in-game. It was also recently shown that Forza Horizon 3 was able to get to the menu - and it was the Xbox One Enhanced editon, opening possibilities for Xbox One Enhanced games to play on XWine1. [2][3]
- WinEra
- Developed by a single person, this was the first compatibility layer to successfully run Minecraft: Xbox One Edition on PC.
- Spasaha
- Focused primarily on Destiny 1, this layer is also developed by one person with additional support.
- ???[4]
- This layer, developed by one person with some help, was notably used to play Tomb Raider Remastered, making it the first game to run on PC outside of DirectX samples. This translator does not have a name; it is only named ‘Durango’ in the top of the window.
- Native
-
- Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One X/S
- Since Xbox One and later, Microsoft consoles utilize a cut-down version of Windows, they can all natively run Xbox One backwards compatible games. However, games made before 2015 are running legacy Windows 8 games which are different to Windows 10 onwards, Microsoft probably made compatibility layers or updated games to the new Windows 10 platform.
Enhancements[edit]
| Name | Xbox Series X/S Xbox One X/S | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics | Resizable Internal Resolution | ✓[N2 1] | |||||||||
| Texture Replacement | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Ultrawide hack Widescreen already supported on Xbox One system. But there is no support by system for render games in other ratios such as ultrawide 21:9 or super ultrawide 32:9. |
✗ | ||||||||||
| Ray-tracing (DXR, VRT and MRT) |
Implementing ray-tracing in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future. However you can try "Screen-Space Ray Traced Global Illumination" shader using ReShade. | ||||||||||
| Pre-rendering AA (MSAA, SSAA) |
✗ | ||||||||||
| Super-resolution techniques (DLSS, XeSS and FSR 2+) |
FSR 2 is already supported on Xbox One (X/S).[5] Implementing advanced one for emulator is requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors so it's quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future. | ||||||||||
| RTX Remix | Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future. | ||||||||||
| Performance | Internal Framerate Hack | ✓[N2 1] | |||||||||
| Frame generation technologies (LSFG, DLSS-G, ExtraSS and AFMF) |
Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as motion interpolation is quite possible. Input latency will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it's recommended to use after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack". | ||||||||||
| Rendering latency reduction technologies (LatencyFleX, Reflex and Anti-Lag+) |
While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing rendering latency reduction technologies isn't currently feasible. This is likely doesn't offer enough benefit to justify the development effort. | ||||||||||
| Overclock | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Post-Processing | Post-rendering AA (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA) |
? | |||||||||
| Post-rendering scaling (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and FSR 1) |
? | ||||||||||
| Filters | ✗ | ||||||||||
| AI-powered filter compatible (Freestyle) |
✗ | ||||||||||
| Shader Chain | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Inverse tone mapping compatible | ✓ Even though Xbox One has no support for HDR, Xbox One X|S and Series X|S systems supports it in some games[6]. | ||||||||||
| TAS features | Macros/Scripts/Lua | ✗ | |||||||||
| Rewind | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Savestates | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Movie recording/playback | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Quality of life | Built-in Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes For using this on Windows OS you need CRT Emudriver. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility". |
N/A Eighth gen home consoles and beyond only have digital video output anyway. | |||||||||
| Streamable compression format | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Built-in mod editor and manager | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Built-in Cheat Manager | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Built-in Patch Manager | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Per-Game Profiles | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Command Line Options | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Big Picture Mode | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Controls | Mouse Injector Compatible | ✗ | |||||||||
| Input lag-mitigating technique | ✗ | ||||||||||
| Misc | RetroAchievements | ✗ | |||||||||
| EmuVR support | Exclusive to libretro cores. So there is no support at the moment. | ||||||||||
| AI Service With the help of OCR and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically. |
Exclusive to libretro cores at the moment. So there is no support. | ||||||||||
| Free Look Free Look is a enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera. |
While freecam would be technically possible, it will require per-game patches. Said patches would require a significant amount of time to reverse the game's engine, which means that only someone talented with enough dedication to a single game could do it. | ||||||||||
| Debug Features | ✗ | ||||||||||
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Titles that are backward compatible are supports; AutoHDR, FPS Boost and improved resolution.
Hardware features and peripherals[edit]
| Name | Xbox Series X/S | Xbox One X/S |
|---|---|---|
| Dashboard and apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Achievements | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xbox Live | ✓ | ✓ |
| System Link | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xbox and Xbox 360 emulation (Fission) |
✓ | ✓ |
| Kinect | ✗ | ✓ |
| Blu-ray drive | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Keyboard & Mouse | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xbox One X|S exclusive features | ||
| Ultra HD Blu-ray drive | ✓ | Native |
| Xbox One X|S Enhanced games | ✓ | Native |
Dashboard and apps[edit]
- Xbox: Experience
- tcrf - Xbox One Dashboard Revisions
- Wikipedia - List of Xbox One and Series X/S applications
The Dashboard is a graphical user interface developed for Xbox One. You can launch various applications from this interface as well. Also Xbox One supports media streaming (music, photos and videos) with PC using Groove Music and Movies & TV apps.
- The Xbox One's Dashboard is also used by the Xbox Series X/S, but with a dynamic theme feature and a different home screen[7]. Some apps aren't compatible with Xbox Series X|S though, see this page.
Blu-ray drive[edit]
Xbox One console support for BD-Video, Audio CD, DVD-Video and XGD4. However it does not have the capability to play HD-DVD and VCDs.
- Xbox One X|S and Series X|S consoles support for BD-Video, Audio CD, DVD-Video and XGD4. See Xbox One X/S exclusive features and Xbox Series X and Series S#Ultra HD Blu-ray drive for more information.
- See this dedicated page for more information about home media playback support for emulation softwares.
- See Ripping games.
System Link[edit]
- Xbox Series X|S consoles supports Xbox One system link titles. See this page for more information.
- Xbox One X|S consoles natively supports Xbox one system link titles.
- Also see computer programs such as XBSlink, SVDL and XLink Kai allow users to play multiplayer for LAN supported games by using a network configuration that simulates a worldwide LAN.
Kinect[edit]
The Kinect sensor and Kinect Adapter have been discontinued. You can still use your Kinect with your Xbox 360, Xbox One or One X|S.
- To use your existing Xbox One Kinect Sensor with a new Xbox One X|S console, you'll need an Xbox Kinect Adapter.
- The Kinect sensor is not compatible with Xbox Series X|S consoles.[8]
Xbox One X/S[edit]
| |
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Generation | Eighth generation |
| Release date | 2016-7 |
| Discontinued | 2020 |
| Predecessor | Xbox One |
| Successor | Xbox Series X|S |
| Emulated | ✗ |
The Xbox One X and Xbox One S are part of the eighth generation of home video game consoles (similar to PlayStation 4 Pro) produced by Microsoft. These consoles are often seen as a mid-gen refresh - sort of an eight-and-a-half generation console. The Xbox One X was released on November 7th, 2017 and featured upgraded specifications compared to the original Xbox One, including a more powerful GPU, increased RAM, and support for 4K gaming. The Xbox One S, released the year before on the 2nd of August 2016, offered improvements in design and size, as well as added support for HDR and 4K video playback.
The Xbox One X released with an AMD 8-core APU at 2.3 GHz, 12 GB RAM, and an AMD GPU based on the AMD Radeon RX architecture. It was marketed as the most powerful console on the market at the time of its release in November 2017, with a retail price of $499.
On the other hand, the Xbox One S released with an AMD 8-core APU at 1.75 GHz, 8 GB RAM, and an AMD GPU based on the AMD Radeon GCN architecture. It was marketed as a more affordable option compared to the Xbox One X, with support for 4K video streaming and HDR gaming. The Xbox One S was released with a price tag of $299.
Xbox One X/S exclusive features[edit]
Xbox One X/S Enhanced games[edit]
The Xbox One X and Xbox One S offer enhancements such as improved graphics, higher resolutions, and better performance compared to the original Xbox One.
- Unless files for these enhancements are dumped, these enhancements are not supported by WinDurango compatibility layer for emulation.
Ultra HD Blu-ray drive[edit]
Xbox One X|S consoles support for BD-Video and DVD-Video. However it does not have the capability to play HD-DVD and VCDs. It has Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, so naturally it supports UHD-BD.
- Series X|S consoles support for BD-Video, DVD-Video and UHD-BD.
- See this dedicated page for more information about home media playback support for emulation softwares.
Emulation issues[edit]
With the Xbox One, Microsoft had two important security goals in mind, to prevent piracy and cheating (these can be seen in the company's Guarding Against Physical Attacks video). To achieve this, much of the hardware was modified to prevent tampering. On the software side, the Xbox One used a new XVD (Xbox Virtual Drive) format to store its operating systems, SystemOS (runs a cut-down version of Windows), HostOS (manages the other two) and GameOS (runs game titles). For the storing of Xbox One titles, the console used another format (XVCs or Xbox Virtual Containers) to store games on Blu-Ray discs. With all this security, it became a challenge to homebrew the console. For technical Xbox One research, see xboxoneresearch wiki.
At least part of the Xbox One's optical disc drive source code leaked in 2020 ("Damien's XDK leak", "XSec", "xsec.rar" leak). Damien confirmed this came from wack0's 2017 Microsoft hack. It's impressive how long the Xbox One held up compared to literally any other console in history. However, on May 15, 2024, baw released an Xbox One dumping exploit. This was used to dump games when Collateral Damage came out. Now, Xbox One games have been dumped and decrypted.[9][10]
It should also be noted that the vast majority of Xbox One games are also available on PC (similar to PlayStation 4 (Pro), PlayStation 5 (Pro) and Xbox Series X|S situations in recent years), so there is increased lack of interest to emulate the console. Having said that, there are still considerable amount of games exclusive to those consoles, this includes games for both PlayStation 4 (Pro) and Xbox One (X|S) that haven't been ported and titles lacking enhanced/next-gen update for PC. See List of notable ports#External links section for all of those games.
Running UWP apps wihout emulation[edit]
By going to X:\ and copying app files, users could dump a range of system packages such as the Xbox One version of the Microsoft Store. To run these apps, all a user needed to do was to change the application's information file, or AppXManifest from Windows.Xbox to say, Windows.Desktop and well and removing Xbox only parts of the manifest, and certain applications would run but with a lack of input. The same dumping methods probably do not work for important system packages or games, as they are placed in a more secure location and may need compatibility layers to run.
For more information about Xbox One (X|S) system and reverse engineering;
- Xbox One Research Wiki
- ConsoleMods: Xbox One
- Reddit Thread: "Explanation on Xbox One/Series emulation"
- Microsoft Xbox Live docs
- Collateral Damage - Collateral Damage is a kernel exploit for Xbox SystemOS using CVE-2024-30088. It targets Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles running kernel versions 25398.4478, 25398.4908, and 25398.4909. The initial entrypoint is via the Game Script UWP application.
- Artifice - A custom tool designed to achieve privilege escalation autonomously for Xbox One Developer Mode.
- EuroGamer - Xbox One backwards compatibility: how does it actually work?
- Platform Security Summit: Guarding Against Physical Attacks: The Xbox One Story — Tony Chen, Microsoft similar video
- WinDurango Discord
See also[edit]
 |
Consoles: Xbox • Xbox 360 • Xbox One (X|S)‡ • Xbox Series (X|S)‡ Operating systems: MS-DOS • Windows 95/98/ME • Windows 2000/XP/Vista • Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 Home computers: MSX |
