Microsoft has been trying to make player access to theXboxgame library easier with Xbox Game Pass and the push for backward compatibility. This also includes the implementation ofthe Xbox cloud save featurefor the Xbox Series X/S, as well as the upcoming xCloud streaming service. However, one of the Xbox’s oldest features is still usable to play multiplayer games on all console generations.
A recent video from Modern Vintage Gamer shows theXboxSystem Link feature can let people play multiplayer games across all four console generations. The purpose of the Xbox System Link feature is to allow players with multiple consoles to engage in multiplayer without relying on split-screen using LAN connections. The System Link continued to be supported to the Xbox 360, then the Xbox One, and now the Xbox Series X/S.
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Using theXbox backward compatibility feature, Modern Vintage Gamer used System Link to play the same multiplayer game on all consoles. To demonstrate this, he played the Xbox original gameCrimson Skiesacross all four consoles in the same room, including the Xbox Series S. Each was connected to their own screen and used ethernet cords for internet access, while the later console generations used backward compatibility to access the game.
Modern Vintage Gamer was able to start the game on each console with no issue. The success shows Microsoft still supports the System Link feature even with the latest next-gen console. He even highlights that Microsoft could have patched out the feature in place of Xbox Live andXbox Game Pass. Instead, this appears to be an “inherited” feature built into every main console.
This lines up with Microsoft’s push for Xbox backward compatibility and Xbox Game Pass, as more games are added to the growing online library or useXbox cloud save transfers. The video also shows the potential for cross-gen multiplayer gameplay. Players will be able to play some of their favorite games across all four consoles as they would with any modern game. It opens the door for bringing in more Xbox games from the original console to be backward compatible for all Xbox consoles.
This doesn’t mean that all Xbox original games are playable across all console generations, but the possibility is there for some games. The originalHalo: Combat Evolvedis an obvious candidate, as well as some of its sequels. As long as Microsoft continues to support the System Link feature, players will be able to enjoy their favorite multiplayer games across all fourXboxconsoles.
