If you're worried that your old Xbox games won't be much good now that you have an Xbox 360, take a look at the lists below to see if your favourite games are backward compatible, if they are, then just download the 'emulator' through Live that will allow you to play them. If you don't have your X360 connected to the internet, then follow the simple guide below these lists... Last updated - July 20071
 
 
 

1 This list of titles that have passed hand certification for compatibility with Xbox 360 is provided for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. To ensure the highest quality gaming experience, in the event that an unforeseen technical issue is discovered after hand certification is completed, Microsoft® reserves the right to remove any game name from this list.Please check back often to see the most current list of games.

2 Currently the North American versions of these games are the only ones supported as backward compatible titles on Xbox 360.

3 The December 2005 update includes the Monk Zeng content from the limited edition of Jade Empire.

4 Offline version only; versions included with Xbox Live Starter Kits or as a bundled game with other Xbox Live titles do not yet play on Xbox 360.

5 Currently the Japanese version of this game is not supported as a backwards compatible title on the Xbox 360.

6 Currently the Japanese versions of these games are the only ones supported as backward compatible titles on Xbox 360.

7 Currently the EMEA/ANZ versions of these games are the only ones supported as backward compatible titles on Xbox 360.
I've managed to update my Xbox 360 by using the following method as it's not connected to the internet. For the record, I used a DVD-RW disc which worked fine, it's not really worth wasting a CD/DVD-R just for the sake of MB.

By downloading this update, you agree to the software license and other related terms set forth in the Xbox Live Terms of Use, located here. Save the update as default.zip—it's about 10MB.

You will need to unzip the file to get the default.xex file out and put it at a location on your computer. If you are using Windows XP, you can simply open the zip file like you would a folder. If you are using an earlier version of Windows you will need a separate utility to open the zip file, like WinZip. Be sure the update is named default.xex

The update will not run automatically unless the file is named default.xex and is the only file on the disc (i.e., not in a folder or directory).

Create a DVD or CD
To create an update disc you need the following:

  • A DVD or CD burner.
  • A blank, writeable DVD or CD.
  • The update from Xbox.com.

These steps will cover burning the DVD or CD with Windows and the DVD or CD burning software that is part of the operating system. DVDs work better than CD-Rs, which in turn work better than CDRWs.

(For illustration, we're using a CD in a CD burner, but the same steps apply with a DVD in a DVD burner.)

Step 1: Place a blank disc in your burner. Select "Open Writable CD Folder Using Windows Explorer" or just open the CD drive icon from Explorer.

If you choose to use third-party CD/DVD writing software then please follow the instructions for that software in creating a data disc with just the update on the disc.

Step 2: Drag default.xex to the CD Folder. If the CD write window doesn't open by default please drag and drop default.xex on the CD/DVD RW drive.

Step 3: Click "Write files to CD" from the CD writing tasks in the Explorer window or select Write these files to CD from the CD/DVD RW drive right mouse click menu.

Step 4: Go through the CD wizard. The first step is to add a label the CD; the default of the date is fine.

Step 5: The CD wizard will create the CD. Wait until the CD is ejected.

Step 6: Remove the CD from the drive—you have created the CD.

Update the Console
Update the backward compatibility program as well as the operating system software in your Xbox 360 console.

Step 1: Place the CD in the Xbox 360 console.

Step 2: The update program will start automatically. Select "Continue" to apply the update.

Step 3: Wait for the update to complete.

Step 4: Your system needs to have the operating system software updated. Select "Yes, update now" and press the A button.

Step 5: The console will reboot and you're done. Insert your original Xbox games and enjoy!


Download Xbox 360 Manuals. Please select the manual you wish to download from the list below (files are .pdf, so Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader is needed to view files)

Xbox 360 Advanced SCART AV Cable
Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable
Xbox 360 Console (Core System)
Xbox 360 Console (Full System)
Xbox 360 Console Warranty
Xbox 360 Faceplates
Xbox 360 Hard Drive
Xbox 360 Headset
Xbox 360 Memory Unit
Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit
Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack
Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable
Xbox 360 Wired Controller
Xbox 360 Wired Controller for Windows
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter

My Gamer Card

My Xbox 360's blog
Text and images for the backwards compatibility list and update guide ©2006 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Xbox, Xbox Live, the Live Logo, and the Xbox logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp.