Can You Play Xbox One Games on Xbox Series S? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently made the leap to an Xbox Series S and are wondering about your Xbox One games, you’re not alone. The transition to a new gaming console can come with questions, especially in terms of backward compatibility and which games you can continue to enjoy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand whether you can play Xbox One games on your Xbox Series S.

Understanding Backward Compatibility

One of the standout features of the Xbox brand has been its focus on backward compatibility. This allows gamers to play titles from earlier console generations on newer hardware. The Xbox Series S is no exception; it supports backward compatibility for a range of Xbox One games. However, it’s essential to note that there are limitations.

Digital vs. Disc-Based Games

First and foremost, it’s important to clarify that the Xbox Series S does not include a physical disc drive. This means that if you own a physical copy of an Xbox One game, you won’t be able to insert the disc into your Xbox Series S. Instead, you’ll need to ensure that you have a digital copy of the game in your library.

If you previously purchased a game through the Xbox Store, or have access to it via Xbox Game Pass, you can download and play it on your Xbox Series S. Simply navigate to your library, find the game, and download it to start playing. If you’ve bought the game digitally on Xbox One, it should automatically appear in your library on the Series S, provided you are logged into the same Microsoft account.

Game Compatibility

While many of the popular titles from the Xbox One lineup are compatible with the Xbox Series S, not every game is available. Microsoft has curated a list of backward-compatible titles, so it’s a good idea to check this list to see if your favorite games are included. You can find the complete list on the official Xbox website, ensuring you have up-to-date information on available games.

When you insert a backward-compatible Xbox One disc into your Xbox Series X (note: not S), the system will prompt you to download the game if it’s available in digital format. For Xbox Series S owners, the journey begins with purchasing or downloading games directly, as you cannot use discs.

Smart Delivery

Another important feature to be aware of is Smart Delivery, which allows you to purchase a game once and access the version optimized for your console. If you’ve bought a game that supports Smart Delivery, you’ll always be able to download the best version available for your system. This feature is especially useful for games that have been upgraded to take full advantage of the Xbox Series S capabilities.

What If You Want to Play Series X|S Exclusive Titles?

If you are interested in playing games designed specifically for the Xbox Series X|S, you will need to ensure that you acquire those games separately. The backward compatibility feature only applies to Xbox One titles and older generations, not the unique releases optimized for the latest consoles. If you want the enhanced performance and graphics of a Series X|S title, purchasing the version specifically built for the new hardware is necessary.

Streaming Games

For those who subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass, cloud gaming offers another exciting option. You can stream compatible titles on your Series S without needing to download them. This feature can be a great way to access a variety of games without needing storage on your console, particularly for those with limited disk space.

Conclusion

In summary, while you can play Xbox One games on the Xbox Series S, it comes with specific conditions. You must own the digital version of any Xbox One games you want to play, as the Series S lacks a disc drive. Be sure to explore the backward compatibility list to find the games you can still enjoy, and consider making use of Smart Delivery for your purchases. With these guidelines in mind, you’re ready to dive back into your favorite Xbox titles on your new console. Happy gaming!