Xbox One backward compatibility FAQ

This page answers frequently asked questions about Xbox 360 game and accessory compatibility with your Xbox One console.

Note If you have the following questions, see Playing Xbox 360 games on your Xbox One.

• How do I play an Xbox 360 game on my Xbox One?
• How do I continue playing an Xbox 360 game in progress on my Xbox One?
• How do I open the Xbox 360 guide on my Xbox One?

Topics

Xbox 360 game compatibility with Xbox One

Can I use my Xbox 360 games with Xbox One (or vice versa)?
When will I be able to play my other Xbox 360 games on Xbox One?
How do I open items that show up as Xbox 360 notifications?
Can I do multiplayer gaming with friends who are playing the game on Xbox 360 or Xbox One?
How do I switch from playing a game on Xbox One to playing it on Xbox 360?
Will my avatars and achievements from Xbox 360 be available to me on Xbox One?
How do I remove the Xbox 360 games and profiles that have been saved on my Xbox One console?
Can I be signed in to my Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles at the same time?
I’m having problems purchasing/downloading an Xbox 360 game on my Xbox One console. What should I do?

Xbox 360 accessory compatibility with Xbox One

My TV has only one HDMI port. Can I connect my Xbox 360 to my TV via my Xbox One console?
Can I use my Xbox 360 wired/wireless controller, accessories (racing wheel, wireless headset, etc.), or power supply with Xbox One (or vice versa)?
Can I plug my removable hard drive from my Xbox 360 into my Xbox One?
Can I use the USB drive that I plug into my Xbox 360 for added storage with my Xbox One?
How is my new Kinect sensor different from the Xbox 360 Kinect Sensor? Can I use the Kinect sensor from my Xbox 360 on my Xbox One?
Can I stand my Xbox One on its end like my Xbox 360?

Can I use my Xbox 360 games with Xbox One (or vice versa)?

Yes, you can play a growing number of digital and disc-based Xbox 360 games on Xbox One. Xbox 360 games run within an emulator on Xbox One, which means you'll be able to use most features from both systems while playing games, such as screenshots, broadcasting, and Game DVR.

Note Xbox One games will not work on Xbox 360.

When will I be able to play my other Xbox 360 games on Xbox One?

We will continue to add more Xbox 360 titles. Check the list of available games frequently to see if your titles have been added. Or go to Xbox Feedback to suggest your favorites. 

How do I open items that show up as Xbox 360 notifications?

When an Xbox 360 notification appears, press and hold the View and Menu buttons to act on it.

Can I do multiplayer gaming with friends who are playing the game on Xbox 360 or Xbox One?

Yes. For games that offer multiplayer gaming, you'll be able to play with others who own the title on Xbox 360.

How do I switch from playing a game on Xbox One to playing it on Xbox 360?

When you're playing on Xbox One, Xbox 360 game saves are uploaded only after you quit the game. You must quit the game from Home or launch another non-backward compatible game in order for your console to upload the save. If you turn off your console, it will be uploaded when you turn it back on.

Will my avatars and achievements from Xbox 360 be available to me on Xbox One?

Your avatars and achievements do carry over from Xbox 360 through Xbox Live. These are accessible when you sign in to your Xbox profile on your Xbox One console.

How do I remove the Xbox 360 games and profiles that have been saved on my Xbox One console?

You can remove all Xbox 360 games and profiles that have been saved to your console by following these steps:

1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide. .
   
2. Select Settings.
3. Select All settings.
4. Select System.
5. Select Storage, and then select Clear local Xbox 360 storage.
6. Select Yes. Your console will restart. (This will not affect your cloud-saved games or Xbox One games and profiles.)

Can I be signed in to my Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles at the same time?
If you own an Xbox 360 console and an Xbox One console, you can be signed in to both at the same time. However, you can only be signed in to one Xbox One console and one Xbox 360 console at a time.

I’m having problems purchasing/downloading an Xbox 360 game on my Xbox One console. What should I do?
If you encounter problems when purchasing or downloading an Xbox 360 game or an Xbox 360 Games with Gold game on your Xbox One console, see Troubleshoot Xbox 360 Marketplace purchasing for solutions.

My TV has only one HDMI port. Can I connect my Xbox 360 to my TV via my Xbox One console?

Yes. You can plug your Xbox 360 into the Xbox One through the Xbox One HDMI In port.

Note If you link the two consoles together and use the Kinect sensors for both consoles, we recommend that you mute one of the Kinect microphones to avoid voice command interference.

Can I use my Xbox 360 wired/wireless controller, accessories (racing wheel, wireless headset, etc.), or power supply with Xbox One (or vice versa)?

No. Controllers and accessories that work with Xbox 360 won't work with Xbox One (and vice versa). Also, the power supply from the Xbox 360 does not connect to the Xbox One console, and it will not satisfy the new console's power requirements.

Can I plug my removable hard drive from my Xbox 360 into my Xbox One?

No. The Xbox 360 Hard Drive is not compatible with the Xbox One. If you have an Xbox profile on Xbox 360, the profile will automatically download to your Xbox One console during setup.

The Xbox One has a built-in 500 GB hard disk, and you can connect a compatible external storage drive. For information about setting up and managing external storage for your Xbox One console, see How to manage storage on Xbox One.

Can I use the USB drive that I plug into my Xbox 360 for added storage with my Xbox One?

For added storage, you can use an external drive that has a capacity of 256 GB or more and uses USB 3.0.

How is my new Kinect sensor different from the Xbox 360 Kinect Sensor? Can I use the Kinect sensor from my Xbox 360 with my Xbox One?

The new Kinect for Xbox One features a 1080p camera and can accommodate smaller play spaces than its Xbox 360 predecessor. It also features a 1:1 movement ratio with little to no lag.

Use of the Kinect sensor is optional with Xbox One. But some features, like automatic player identification and voice/gesture control, won't work without it.

Note The Xbox 360 Kinect Sensor will not work on Xbox One.

Can I stand my Xbox One on its end like my Xbox 360?

No. The Xbox One console is designed to remain horizontal. Do not position it vertically.