Xbox One emulators: Difference between revisions

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*[[Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S|Series X|S]] consoles support for BD-Video, DVD-Video and UHD-BD.
*[[Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S|Series X|S]] consoles support for BD-Video, DVD-Video and UHD-BD.
*See [[Home_media_players#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation software.
*See [[Home_media_players#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation software.
==Emulation issues==
With the Xbox One, Microsoft had two important security goals in mind, to prevent piracy and cheating (these can be seen in the their {{YouTubeVideo|U7VwtOrwceo|"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 the [https://xboxoneresearch.github.io/wiki/ Xbox One Research Wiki].
At least part of the Xbox One's optical disc drive source code leaked in 2020 ([https://gbatemp.net/threads/xbox-one-internal-sdk-has-leaked-the-ms-equivalent-to-a-gigaleak.579751/ "Damien's XDK leak", "XSec", "xsec.rar" leak]). Damien confirmed this came from wack0's 2017 Microsoft hack. It is 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.[https://xboxoneresearch.github.io/games/2024/05/15/xbox-dump-games.html][https://x.com/onebawbag/status/1789333419261821032]
It should also be noted that the vast majority of Xbox One games are also available on PC (similarly to [[PlayStation_4_emulators#Emulation_issues|PlayStation 4 (Pro)]], [[PlayStation_5_emulators#Emulation_issues|PlayStation 5 (Pro)]] and [[Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S#Emulation issues|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 a considerable number 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#Console multi-platform exclusives]] section for all of those games.
===Running UWP apps without emulation===
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 as well as removing Xbox only parts of the manifest, and certain applications would run, but issues would occur, such as a lack of input. The same dumping methods don't work for important system packages or games, as they're placed in a more secure location and need compatibility layers to run.
For more information about Xbox One (X|S) system and its reverse engineering;
* [https://xboxoneresearch.github.io/wiki/ Xbox One Research Wiki]
* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox_One:Xbox_One_Mods_Wiki ConsoleMods: Xbox One]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/XboxHacking/comments/1d775um/how_xbox_oneseries_emulation_can_come_around_and/ Reddit Thread: "Explanation on Xbox One/Series emulation"]
* [https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/xbox-live-docs Microsoft Xbox Live docs]
* [https://github.com/OpenKinect/libfreenect2 libfreenect2] - Open source Driver for Kinect for Windows v2 (K4W2) devices (release and developer preview). libfreenect2 does not do anything for either Kinect for Windows v1 or Kinect for Xbox 360 sensors. Use [https://github.com/OpenKinect/libfreenect?tab=readme-ov-file libfreenect1] for those sensors.
* [https://github.com/exploits-forsale/collateral-damage 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.
* [https://github.com/Kudayasu/Artifice Artifice] - A custom tool designed to achieve privilege escalation autonomously for Xbox One Developer Mode.
* [https://github.com/XWine1/XDLCompiler XDL Compiler]
* [https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2017-xbox-one-x-back-compat-how-does-it-actually-work EuroGamer - Xbox One backwards compatibility: how does it actually work?]
* {{YouTubeVideo|U7VwtOrwceo|835|Platform Security Summit: Guarding Against Physical Attacks: The Xbox One Story — Tony Chen, Microsoft}}
* {{YouTubeVideo|quLa6kzzra0|similar video}}
* WinDurango [https://discord.gg/mHN2BgH7MR Discord]
* {{YouTubeVideo|DXSEhCQxqEQ|MattKC Bytes: Xbox One emulation is making INCREDIBLE progress in 2025}}


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 13:53, 10 July 2026

Xbox One
File:Xbox One consoles montage.png
Top: original Xbox One with Kinect sensor
Middle: Xbox One X
Bottom: Xbox One S
Developer Microsoft
Manufacturer Flextronics, Foxconn
Type Home video game console
Generation Eighth
Release date NA/EU/AU/SA: November 22, 2013
JP: September 4, 2014
CHN: September 29, 2014
Discontinued WW: 2020
Predecessor Xbox 360
Successor Xbox Series 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 ($690 in 2026). It had an AMD 8-core APU at 1.75 GHz and 8 GB of RAM. It has an AMD GPU at 853 MHz 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 an OS derived from Windows, so it is widely considered a watered-down PC.

Emulators and compatibility layers

Before editing, review the Getting involved and Recommended pages. See system requirements page for performance demand of the emulators.
See tables for enhancements, hardware features and peripherals.
For more details such as licensing, programming language, emulation method, visit each emulator’s dedicated page.
Name Platform(s) Latest version One X/S Compatibility License Active Recommended
XWine1 Windows Linux Xbox One [1] git (WIP, currently private) ✓ At least 6 playable titles ✗ ✓ ✗
GenERA Windows git (WIP, currently private) ? 3 playable titles? [2] ✗ ✓ ✗
WinDurango Windows git ✓ 3 playable titles[3] LGPLv3 (Copyleft)[N 1] ✓ ✗

Native

Name Latest Version One X/S Compatibility License Active Recommended
Xbox Series X/S Patch-based ✓ 99%[N 2] Proprietary ✓ ✓
Xbox One X/S Patch-based Native 100% Proprietary - ✓
  1. ↑ Formerly licensed under GPLv3
  2. ↑ Kinect games are incompatible. See Hardware features and peripherals.

Comparisons

XWine1
XWine1 is an Xbox One translation layer for Windows[4] and Linux[5]. According to announcements and footage from the development team, it has the highest compatibility of any Xbox One translation layer, however currently it is still in-development and unreleased[6]. Games that have been showcased to run in some capacity include Forza Horizon 2[7], Forza Horizon 3[8], Forza Motorsport 5[9], Sonic Mania[4], Peggle 2[4], LIMBO [4], Rock Band 4[10], and Terraria [11].
WinDurango
WinDurango (formerly "XBONEmu")[12] is an Xbox One translation layer for Windows 10 and 11. It is still in early development, however unlike XWine1, it is open source and publicly available, and is maintained by the wider community rather than a private team. As of February 2025, it has been demonstrated to be capable of at least launching Minecraft: Xbox One Edition[13][14] and Sonic Mania[3].
WinEra[15] (merged into XWine1)
Developed by a single person, this was the first compatibility layer to successfully run Minecraft: Xbox One Edition on PC. It later got merged into XWine1 before making any public release.
Spasaha[15] (merged into XWine1)
Focused primarily on Destiny 1, one person also developed this layer with additional support. It later got merged into XWine1 before making any public release.
Durango (unnamed emulator)[15] (merged into XWine1)
This layer, developed by "Mister" with some help, was used to play Tomb Raider Remastered, making it the first game to run on PC outside of DirectX samples, and notable for being one of the few "Direct3D 12" games on the Xbox One. This also made it the first game to run on PC outside of DirectX samples. This translator doesn't have a name; it is only named ‘Durango’ at the top of the window. It later got merged into XWine1 before making any public release.
Scorpio Emu[16]
A Work-in-progress Xbox One emulator that translates GCN graphics to SPIR-V. Can successfully boot Sonic Mania to the Title Screen. Vibe-coded by AI.
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

Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
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 possible soon.
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).[3]
Implementing advanced one for emulator requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors, so it is quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon.
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-FG and SM, XeSS-FG, AFMF and FSR FG) 		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 used, it is recommended to use after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack".
Rendering latency reduction technologies
(LatencyFleX, Reflex, Xe-LL 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 benefits 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
(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.
TAS features Macros/Scripts/Lua ✗
Rewind ✗
Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed ✗
Savestates ✗
Movie recording/playback ✗
Quality of life Pause/Resume Emulation ?
SDL backend support
Provides controller plug-and-play and automatic input mapping through SDL GameController database. 		?
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 ✗
Capable image format support ✗
Built-in save manager ✗
Built-in mod editor and manager ✗
Built-in Cheat Manager ✗
Built-in Patch Manager ✗
Per-Game Profiles ✗
Command-Line Options ✗
Big Picture Mode ✓
Automatic Updater ?
Portable and Stealth
Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary prerequisites and dependencies for your operating system if it is not statically linked. 		?
Controls Mouse Injector Compatible ✗
Input lag-mitigating technique ✗
Turbo button ?
Real peripheral support (Passthrough)
Ability to passthrough USB HID devices or Bluetooth adapter for emulated system. 		?
Disguise peripheral support through Passthrough
Tricking the software into think that the original controller was connected even those identify themselves with different device IDs. When a game tries to identify a connected 'nearly the same internally' controller, emulator will tell it that the equivalent original controller is connected instead, allowing it to work. 		?
Misc RetroAchievements ✗
Rich Presence (RPC)
Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported. 		?
EmuVR support Exclusive to libretro cores. So there is no support at the moment.
Ambient sounds simulation
Simulation of audio from original hardware and environments, such as mechanical hard drive, floppy diskette, and optical drive noises (e.g., head seeks, spin-up/down, tray loading, disc spinning, and clicking), variable CRT flyback transformer whine (the classic high-pitched "coil whine" that dynamically changes pitch based on screen brightness and content), arcade cabinet effects (e.g., fan hum or button rattles), and other background ambient noises. 		✓
Screen translator
Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically. 		You can use RetroArch's AI Service or the standalone offline bquenin's Interpreter.
Free Look
Free Look is an 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. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Titles that are backward compatible are supports; AutoHDR, FPS Boost and improved resolution.

Hardware features and peripherals

Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
Name Xbox Series X/S Xbox One X/S
Dashboard and apps ✓ ✓
Achievements ✓ ✓
Xbox Live ✓ ✓
System Link ✓ ✓
Xbox and Xbox 360 emulation
(Fission) 		✓ ✓
Blu-ray drive ✓ ✓
Xbox SmartGlass ✗ ✓
USB Keyboard & Mouse ✓ ✓
HDR ✓ ✓
Haptic feedback ✓ ✓
Xbox One X|S exclusive features
Ultra HD Blu-ray drive ✓ Native
Xbox One X|S Enhanced games ✓ Native
Peripherals
Kinect ✗ ✓
Xbox One Chat Headset ✗ ✓
LEGO Dimensions Toy Pad ? ?
Skylanders Portal ? ?
Disney Infinity Base ? ?
Starlink: Battle for Atlas toys-to-life elements ? ?

Dashboard and apps

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[4]. Some apps aren't compatible with Xbox Series X|S though, see this page.

Blu-ray drive

Xbox One console support for BD-Video, Audio CD, DVD-Video and XGD4.

Xlink Kai - Xbox One supported games

Kinect

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.

Xbox One X/S

The Xbox One X and Xbox One S are part of the eighth generation of home video game consoles (similarly 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 at 1.172 GHz 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 at 914 MHz 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

Xbox One X/S Enhanced games

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 aren't supported by WinDurango compatibility layer for emulation.

Ultra HD Blu-ray drive

Xbox One X|S consoles support for BD-Video and DVD-Video. However, it doesn't 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 software.

See also

References

  1. ↑ According to developers' post, nested emulation is possible but will not be released.
  2. ↑ [1]
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 WinDurango Game Compatibility Status
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 @XWineOne - "Introducing XWine1"
  5. ↑ @XWineOne - "And here it is running on Arch Linux (btw)"
  6. ↑ @XWineOne - "We're not dead, just not ready to show much yet!"
  7. ↑ Forza Horizon 2 XWine1 Progress Update 1
  8. ↑ @XWineOne - "Forza Horizon 3 reaches menus"
  9. ↑ Forza Motorsport 5 XWine1 Progress Update 1
  10. ↑ [2]
  11. ↑ @XWineOne - "Huge progress on AcpHal/SHAPE/HW audio! 🔊"
  12. ↑ XBONEmu is now WinDurango
  13. ↑ WinDurango, The First Xbox One Compatibility Later, has just booted into Minecraft.
  14. ↑ A short history of WinDurango
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 It's not just XWineOne - there's WinDurango, WinEra Spasha and another. These are all Xbox One compatibility layers.
  16. ↑ Scorpio Emu - First In-Game Graphics (Xbox One Emulation Progress) AI assisted

Microsoft(edit)


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