Can my Xbox One play Xbox Series X games?

Xbox Series X
Xbox Series X (Image credit: Microsoft)

Can my Xbox One play Xbox Series X games?

Best answer: For a while, yes. Microsoft will not be making Xbox Series X exclusive games for a year or so after the console first launches. During that time, you'll be able to play Xbox Series X games on your Xbox One.Build your library: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($25 at Amazon)Start off playing right: Xbox One X Gears 5 bundle ($300 at Amazon)

Can my Xbox One play Xbox Series X games?

This is a bit of a complicated question, so let's break it down. When it comes to Xbox Games Studios exclusives from Microsoft, Xbox Games Studios head Matt Booty has confirmed that there won't be Xbox Series X exclusives for at least the first year after the console is released. When you buy an Xbox Game Studios game on Xbox One, you'll automatically get the Xbox Series X version through a feature called Smart Delivery. As a result, as far as Xbox Game Studios titles, you'll be good for at least a year after the Xbox Series X releases.

So what about other publishers?

Other game publishers have the choice of joining the Smart Delivery program. CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will support Smart Delivery, meaning that there's just one version of the game. Buy it on Xbox One, and you'll get the Xbox Series X upgrades for free. Beyond that, however, it's going to vary, so you'll see different answers from different publishers on a case-by-case basis.

Samuel Tolbert
Freelance Writer

Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on Xbox and PC gaming on Windows Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert.