Xbox 360 Emulation on ROG Ally: Microsoft’s Secret Plan for 2026

Microsoft is working on a feature that would allow playing classic Xbox titles on the Ally.

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Following the success of the launch of the new ROG Xbox Ally, Microsoft is already planning to take a step further to strengthen its integration with the Xbox ecosystem. According to Jez Corden, the company is developing an official emulation system that would allow running a selection of Xbox 360 and other console games directly on ASUS portable devices.

This technology is reportedly in an advanced stage, and its release is expected in 2026, coinciding with the expansion of the Xbox Play Anywhere program. In fact, Corden assures that top-tier titles, such as Hogwarts Legacy, will soon be added to the catalog of games compatible with this feature, allowing play on PC and console with a single digital purchase.

Xbox aims to expand its reach on ROG Ally and future portable devices

According to the statements, Microsoft’s goal is to eliminate one of the current major limitations of the ROG Xbox Ally, which cannot natively run many games from the Xbox console catalog. With this emulation, users could enjoy retro-compatible and classic titles directly on the portable device, without relying on cloud streaming.

However, the support would not be universal: only some games would be available, as studios would need to approve their inclusion for licensing reasons. Even so, it would be a huge step towards a complete integration between the Xbox and Windows experiences.

More devices on the way

Additionally, Corden adds that Microsoft is working on a new “Xbox PC” device that will also use Windows, but without full compatibility with older games, along with an additional line of hardware that will arrive in the coming years.

Although Microsoft has not made official statements yet, everything points to the fact that the Xbox ecosystem is rapidly evolving towards a new generation of hybrid devices, where emulation, portability, and library unification will be its main pillars.