Xbox One emulators
| |
| |
| 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
| Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | One X/S | Compatibility | License | Active | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XWine1 |    [1]
|
git (WIP, currently private) | ✓ | At least 6 playable titles | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| GenERA |
|
git (WIP, currently private) | ? | 3 playable titles? [2] | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| WinDurango |
|
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 | - | ✓ |
- ↑ Formerly licensed under GPLv3
- ↑ 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
| 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 | ✗ | ||||||||
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Titles that are backward compatible are supports; AutoHDR, FPS Boost and improved resolution.
Hardware features and peripherals
| 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.
- 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 software.
- See Ripping games.
- See Disc Drive emulation.
System Link
- 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
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 will need an Xbox Kinect Adapter.
- The Kinect sensor is not compatible with Xbox Series X|S consoles.[5]
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
- ↑ According to developers' post, nested emulation is possible but will not be released.
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 WinDurango Game Compatibility Status
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 @XWineOne - "Introducing XWine1"
- ↑ @XWineOne - "And here it is running on Arch Linux (btw)"
- ↑ @XWineOne - "We're not dead, just not ready to show much yet!"
- ↑ Forza Horizon 2 XWine1 Progress Update 1
- ↑ @XWineOne - "Forza Horizon 3 reaches menus"
- ↑ Forza Motorsport 5 XWine1 Progress Update 1
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ @XWineOne - "Huge progress on AcpHal/SHAPE/HW audio! 🔊"
- ↑ XBONEmu is now WinDurango
- ↑ WinDurango, The First Xbox One Compatibility Later, has just booted into Minecraft.
- ↑ A short history of WinDurango
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Scorpio Emu - First In-Game Graphics (Xbox One Emulation Progress) AI assisted
