Doom, Doom II, and Doom 3 invade Xbox One, backward compatible versions removed from sale

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By Asher Madan
last updated

A little late.

What you need to know

  • Doom, Doom II, and Doom 3 are now available natively on Xbox One.
  • The Xbox 360 backward compatible versions have been removed from sale, but are still accessible to existing owners.
  • The new ports require you to be online for certain features.
  • You can purchase them through the Microsoft Store.

Updated August 15, 2019: Bethesda has updated the Doom games so that logging into Bethesda.net is optional.

At QuakeCon 2019, Bethesda announced that Doom, Doom II, and Doom 3 were coming to a number of different platforms like Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4. Doom and Doom II are also available on mobile platforms like Android and iOS. If you want to play them natively on your console, you can download them right now. Luckily, the games are quite cheap because Doom and Doom II cost $5, while Doom 3 comes in at $10.

Doom, Doom II, and Doom 3 were supposed to go on sale yesterday afternoon, but it looks like that was delayed until this morning. It's unclear why this is the case, but it might be related to the fact that other versions have been removed from the Xbox 360 Marketplace.

Keep in mind that the three Doom games on Xbox One require you to sign in to a Bethesda.net account. While this isn't ideal, it seems like the company is locking down games to its online portal. Bethesda wants this to be optional, but right now it isn't. What's even more shocking is that the Xbox 360 versions of Doom, Doom II, and Doom 3 which were backward compatible, have been removed from sale. Bethesda definitely wants you to buy the native Xbox One ports which may be more expensive.

Initially, there was an error which resulted in those who had already bought the three backward compatible games to be unable to access them. Luckily, that has since been resolved, but it doesn't look like they'll go on sale again. If you want to purchase these paritcular Doom games, be sure to do so on Xbox One. Since all Xbox One games are rumored to be compatible with Microsoft's upcoming console Project Scarlett, you'll still be able to play them on future hardware.

Doom

Celebrate Doom's 25th anniversary with the rerelease of the original Doom. First released in 1993, Doom introduced millions of players to the fast-paced demon-slaying action the franchise is known for. Relive the birth of the first-person shooter and experience the demon-blasting fun that popularized the genre. This version contains the Episode IV: Thy Flesh Consumed expansion with nine more action-packed levels.

Welcome to Hell
Doom

The original

Doom introduced millions of players to the fast-paced demon-slaying action the franchise is known for. If you haven't played it before, get ready to go around tricky levels with overpowered weapons.

Doom II

You can also celebrate Doom's 25th anniversary with the rerelease of Doom II. This beloved sequel to the groundbreaking Doom gave players the brutal Super Shotgun to bear against deadlier demons, and the infamous boss, the Icon of Sin. This version of the game contains Master Levels, almost two dozen stages made by the community and developers.

Icon of Sin
Doom II

The best boss ever

Doom II introduced millions of players to the overpowered shotgun. Just like the original, get ready to go around twisted levels with insane weapons. You have to shoot everything in your path.

Doom 3

Lastly, you can top off your collection with Doom 3. While Doom 3 isn't the third part in a trilogy, it's the critically-acclaimed retelling of he original Doom where players must battle their way through a demon-infested facility before entering the abyss to battle Hell's mightiest warrior. This version also contains the Resurrection of Evil and The Lost Missions expansions.

Better graphics
Doom 3

More of a remake

Doom 3 is essentially a remake of the original Doom, but with modern graphics for the time. While the game was more horror-focused than its predessors, it still garnered great reviews.

Doom Eternal, the latest shooter in the franchise, is scheduled to launch on November 22. You can preorder it for $60 on Amazon if you want.

Updated July 29, 2019: Bethesda said that the inability for those who purchased the Xbox 360 versions of the games from accessing the titles through backward compatibility was a mistake. However, they won't return for sale on Xbox 360. New customers will have to buy them on Xbox One. Additionally, in a future update, the publisher will lift the Bethesda.net sign-in restriction so that it's optional.

Return to Hell
Doom Eternal

Super smooth

Doom Eternal is the next frenetic iteration in the long-running franchise. Set for launch on November 22, the game aims to bring even more fast-paced action to PC and consoles with new enemies, a new story, additional multiplayer modes, and much more.

Xbox

Main

Xbox accessories you'll love

Every one of these quality accessories is guaranteed to enhance your Xbox experience.

Related: Our full DOOM Eternal Xbox One review

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One ($20 at Amazon)

PowerA's take on the Xbox One controller is an attractive pickup for budget-conscious gamers that nails all the basics.

Talon PDP Xbox media remote ($20 at Amazon)

The Talon PDP Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.

Xbox One S vertical stand ($10 at Amazon)

Stand your console upright with this accessory.

Asher Madan
Asher Madan

Asher Madan handles gaming news for Windows Central. Before joining Windows Central in 2017, Asher worked for a number of different gaming outlets. He has a background in medical science and is passionate about all forms of entertainment, cooking, and antiquing.