A fresh wave of Xbox-related rumors has taken over gaming forums after popular YouTuber eXtas1s leaked what he claimed were early details about an upcoming Microsoft service called “Xbox Classics.” The rumored service would reportedly expand backward compatibility for Xbox Series X|S consoles while improving visuals and performance for legacy titles.
But shortly after the video went viral, multiple reliable sources have denied any such project exists, including the very emulator team allegedly involved in its development.
Rumor Origin: “Xbox Classics” Leak
The buzz began when eXtas1s published a video claiming Microsoft was preparing a new initiative to revive Xbox 360 and original Xbox games through a service dubbed “Xbox Classics.” The leak suggested that the feature would come with enhanced graphics and performance upgrades, possibly as part of Xbox Game Pass.
But the story quickly unraveled.
Xenia Dev Responds: “Microsoft Would Never Consult Us”
The most direct rebuttal came from the Xenia team, developers of one of the most advanced Xbox 360 emulators. In a public Discord message, a core team member named ZoloKluk firmly denied any involvement:
“Microsoft has their own Xbox 360 emulator, they’d never even consult Xenia.”
The statement undercuts eXtas1s’ claim that Microsoft was working hand-in-hand with community emulator developers. Not only did ZoloKluk reject the idea of collaboration, but it also highlighted that Microsoft already uses its own in-house backward compatibility tech—a key fact missing from the original leak.
Industry Journalist Weighs In
The rumor was also swiftly challenged by industry insider Jez Corden, who tweeted:
“This is not true. No plans for ‘Xbox Classics’ in this form.”
(Source: Jez Corden on X)
Given Corden’s close track record with Microsoft developments, his denial added more weight to the growing skepticism surrounding the leak.
Why This Matters
Backward compatibility has long been a popular feature on Xbox consoles. Microsoft previously led the industry in reviving older titles for modern systems, so a potential “Xbox Classics” project naturally drew excitement. However, these denials suggest that no such service is actively in the works, at least not in the form described by the leak.
For now, Microsoft remains focused on its existing backward compatibility program and Xbox Game Pass offerings. Fans hoping for a PlayStation-like Classics tier might be disappointed—for now.
The “Xbox Classics” story may have made headlines thanks to its nostalgic appeal, but with direct denials from both emulator developers and trusted journalists, it seems this one falls squarely in the “rumor” category.
Still, with growing interest in legacy game preservation and community-driven emulation, it’s not hard to imagine Microsoft eventually revisiting the idea—on its own terms