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Microsoft is bringing Xbox 360 games to the Xbox One

Microsoft is bringing Xbox 360 games to the Xbox One

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Microsoft is bringing old Xbox 360 games to the Xbox One. Xbox chief Phil Spencer revealed the huge news during an E3 keynote today. Microsoft is planning to bring the backwards compatibility "natively" to the Xbox One with more than 100 tiles arriving this holiday. Xbox One preview members can play a selection of titles today, and Microsoft isn't charging gamers to play titles they already own. Previously purchased Xbox 360 titles will show up automatically, and you'll be able to take advantage of broadcasting, screenshots, and game DVR features.

It's not clear exactly which titles will be available later this year, but Microsoft is promising that Xbox One owners will be able to play multiplayer Xbox 360 games against their friends who own the older console. Initially, preview members will be able to play Xbox 360 titles like Banjo-Kazooie, Mass Effect, Perfect Dark, and 15 more. Microsoft's Larry Hryb says "game developers just need to approve titles" for them to show up on the Xbox One. Backwards compatibility is a big deal, and the crowd at Microsoft's E3 event responded with applause at the news. We'll take a closer look at how it works later today.

Update, June 15th 2:45PM: article updated to include a list of the initial games available in the preview.