Original Xbox creator Seamus Blackley has already done plenty to shape the world of gaming. Now, “the father of Xbox” has an idea that might save many classic games from the dustbin of history.
On February 3rd, Blackley tweeted a picture of a silver and green x-shaped device. This unique-looking machine is his pitch for a new console that would allow users to stream original Xbox games. People responded well to this idea, and Blackley now plans to pitch the concept to Microsoft’s VP of Gaming, Phil Spencer.
Blackley said on Twitter, “I wanted to see if people were still psyched about our old [Xbox] design. I’m amazed by the response. Maybe this is possible. It’s hard, all this stuff. But sometimes it’s worth the pain.” Blackley has already made it more than clear he’s still passionate about the platform he created. It is no surprise he’s invested in keeping original Xbox games in circulation.
There is currently little information available about the specifics of the design. It may be no more than the image and general concept. It is also possible Blackley has a complete blueprint already drawn up. His statements indicate the console would most likely be a cloud-based platform. Microsoft has a cloud gaming system xCloud currently in beta, so this isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. However, two things make Blackley’s design unique. First, it is a very literal interpretation of the name Xbox. Second and most importantly, it would the only modern console with access to the complete original Xbox catalog.
The original Xbox had a respectable lineup of around 1000 games. Unfortunately, only about 200 were backward compatible on the 360, and only 40 on the Xbox One and Series X/S. That means 96% of original Xbox games are not playable on modern systems. One major factor is that modern processors are actually too fast for older software to keep up. Not to mention that the Xbox’s code is notoriously difficult to work with, with even Microsoft unable to produce a working emulator.
Every veteran Xbox gamer has their own list of beloved Xbox titles trapped on old hardware. And while plenty of people still have their old consoles, those machines weren’t meant to last forever. Blackley’s pitch could be the best hope for saving many classic games.
Of course, a streaming focused console probably wouldn’t have much use for a DVD drive. So, anyone still sitting on a bookcase full of Xbox games in their original green boxes might have cause for disappointment.
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