Xbox teases return of iconic games with new ways to play

At GDC 2026, the Xbox Game Preservation team revealed some intriguing details about the future of the platform – including the return of "iconic games" in new formats, happening this year.

During the 25th Anniversary, the Game Preservation team plans to "roll out new ways to play some of the most iconic games from our past." Sharp-eyed viewers watching the panel caught glimpses of titles like Fuzion Frenzy, Panzer Dragoon, and other classics being teased. The commitment covers four generations of games, kept playable for years to come.

A big focus was also placed on unifying the Xbox and Windows ecosystem. The team talked about "breaking down the barriers between console and PC games for more seamless cross-device play." The Xbox experience is becoming more consistent across the board, which according to the team will give developers "a more unified path to reach more players while helping reduce development costs."

GDC also brought mentions of the "return of iconic first-party franchises like Halo and Gears of War" this year, alongside partner titles including Beethoven & Dinosaur's Mixtape, Crimson Desert from Pearl Abyss, and more. Xbox came to the event with big statements about the next generation of its ecosystem: