If you have old games from the first Xbox (better known today as the Original Xbox), you can still use them while preventing them from collecting dust in some forgotten box in the attic. Many of the titles released for the first Xbox have been made compatible with the Xbox 360. In order to play these games, you may need to download and install an update for the Xbox 360, bearing in mind that unfortunately not all games from the first Xbox are supported by the new console. Be that as it may, this remains a great way to still enjoy beloved old video games.
Steps
Step 1. If your Xbox 360 does not have a hard drive, purchase and install the original external hard drive distributed by Microsoft
Although most Xbox 360s on the market have a built-in hard drive, older models like the 4GB "S", Arcade and "Core" do not come with this accessory. In order to install the original Xbox software emulator (and to be able to store game save data), you need to purchase the official Xbox 360 hard drive manufactured by Microsoft.
- Normal USB external hard drives cannot be used to install the original Xbox software emulator. If you have chosen to buy one for your Xbox 360, be sure to buy the official hard drive manufactured and distributed by Microsoft.
- Use the data transfer kit included in the hard drive package, which includes a connecting cable and a CD-ROM, to transfer all data in the console to the new storage medium. This step must be performed before installing the hard drive on the console. To do this, you need to remove the console side panel and insert the accessory into its slot. Please refer to Microsoft's official support for more details on this phase.
Step 2. Connect the Xbox 360 to the web
To download all the updates required to play the original Xbox game of your choice, the console must be connected to the internet the first time you run it.
You can connect to the Xbox Live service directly from the "System Settings" menu. If this is the first time you log in to Xbox Live, you will be asked to create an Xbox Live Silver account, that is, free, through the appropriate wizard that will follow you step by step. Check out this guide for more information on how to connect Xbox 360 to the web
Step 3. Install the latest available console operating system update
You can do this directly from the Xbox Live service once connected. In this way, the console will install the software emulator necessary to be able to enjoy the original Xbox video games.
- Normally, when you log into the Xbox Live service and there's a new update, the console automatically prompts you to install.
- If you don't have an internet connection, console operating system updates are usually included on individual game DVDs. All you need to do is purchase one of the most modern Xbox 360 titles to get access to the latest system update.
- See this article for more instructions on how to upgrade your Xbox 360.
Step 4. Insert the original Xbox video game CD into the Xbox 360 player
The game will start automatically and you will see the logo of the first Xbox appear on the screen. Remember that not all games have been made compatible with Xbox 360. For a complete and up-to-date list of games that are or are not compatible with Xbox 360, please refer to this link. Compatible video games are indicated in green.
Step 5. If prompted, install the game update
After inserting the game CD into the console player, you may need to perform a software update. Some titles do not require this step, while for others it is essential for their use.
To download the files necessary to play the chosen video game, the console must necessarily be connected to the web. If a message appears on the screen stating that the chosen video game is not compatible with the Xbox 360, despite belonging to the list of playable ones, it means that most likely the console is not connected to the internet
Step 6. Start playing
After the update installation is complete, the game will start automatically. When you want to use it again in the future, you won't need to download any more updates.
Troubleshooting
Step 1. Verify that the video game chosen is among those compatible
Remember that unfortunately not all games from the original Xbox have been made playable on Xbox 360, so check carefully which one you chose is among them using this link.
Step 2. Check that the CD is not damaged
If the disc is too bad, the console's optical drive may not be able to read its contents. If possible, try testing its functionality on another device to find out if the problem is with the console or with the disc itself.
If the CD is scratched, you may be able to fix the problem by cleaning it with simple toothpaste. Distribute a small amount evenly over the damaged area, trying to make linear movements from the outside towards the center of the disc. When finished, rinse the optical media to remove residue and let it dry. See this article for more details on how to fix a scratched CD
Step 3. Check your network configuration
When starting your game for the first time, you may need to download a software update to ensure compatibility. In order to do this, the console must be connected to the Xbox Live service through a Silver (free) or Gold account.
Step 4. Make sure that the hard drive you have installed on the Xbox 360 is the original one manufactured by Microsoft
Remember that only the latter includes the software emulator necessary to be able to play the games of the original Xbox. If you bought a used accessory or from a third-party retailer, it could be a fake.
