Xbox backward compatibility: which older games play and how to find them

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One of the Xbox's strengths is how many older games it can play. Series X and Series S consoles run a large part of the library from earlier Xbox generations, often looking and running better than they did originally. Here is what works, what does not, and how to find out about a particular game.

What is supported

Xbox One games: almost all play on Series X and Series S. The main exception is games that require the Kinect sensor, which is not supported on the Series consoles.
Xbox 360 games: a selected list, not the full library. Each game was individually tested and made to work, and licensing ruled some out.
Original Xbox games: a smaller selected list, chosen in the same way.

Microsoft has said that its programme of adding older games has largely finished, so the list of Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles is mostly settled. Occasional changes are still possible.

How to check a particular game

Xbox's backward compatibility page lists supported games and lets you filter by generation. This is the authoritative list.
On the console, the Microsoft Store shows whether a game can be bought and played.
If you own a digital copy of a supported older game on your account, it appears in your library, ready to install.

Playing older games on disc

On a console with a disc drive, insert a supported Xbox One, Xbox 360 or original Xbox disc. For older generations, the console then downloads a compatible version.
The disc must stay in the drive to play a disc copy.
Digital-only consoles, including the Series S, cannot use discs at all. Older games have to be bought or already owned digitally.
A disc for a game not on the supported list will not play, even if the console accepts it.

Saves, add-ons and multiplayer

Xbox One saves sync through the cloud automatically.
For Xbox 360 games, cloud saves carry over if they were uploaded on the original console. Local saves on a 360 hard drive do not move by themselves.
Downloadable content you own usually works, but check each game.
Some online features have been switched off over the years when publishers closed their servers, regardless of compatibility.

Enhancements on newer consoles

Many older games run better on Series consoles without any work on your part.

Faster loading, thanks to the SSD.
Auto HDR, which adds an HDR-like effect to selected games that did not originally support it, on a compatible TV.
FPS Boost, available on a selected list of games, which raises the frame rate, in some cases doubling it. In some games it is switched on in the game's compatibility options under Manage game and add-ons, and it can disable certain features, so read the note shown there.
Higher resolution for selected Xbox 360 and original Xbox games on Series X.

Press the Xbox button during play to see whether FPS Boost or Auto HDR is active.

Where to buy older games

The Xbox 360's own store has closed, but supported older games that are still licensed can generally be bought through the Microsoft Store on current consoles, and many appear in sales. Some backward compatible games also appear in Game Pass at times. Second-hand discs are another route for consoles with a drive.

Tips for a smooth experience

Install older games to a USB drive, which they can play from, to save internal space.
If a 360 game looks dim with Auto HDR, adjust the HDR calibration or switch Auto HDR off for that game.
If a disc game will not start, clean the disc and check the game appears on the supported list.

Compatibility lists and store availability can change, so check Xbox's official backward compatibility page and Xbox Support for the current position. Which older Xbox game are you most glad still plays? Share your favourites in the comments.