xemu

Spec sheet

Purpose

xemu emulates the original Microsoft Xbox so people can play original Xbox games on desktop systems.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Support

The project directs users to its Discord community for help running xemu and setting up multiplayer matches.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Founded

2020Read 28 Sep 2026 · xemu.app

BIOS limit

The documentation says an unmodified retail BIOS cannot currently boot games because key DRM functions are unimplemented; a debug BIOS or modified retail BIOS is required.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Compatibility caveat

Compatibility reports are submitted by community volunteers based on their experience with a particular xemu version and computer, and may need updating as the project evolves.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Controllers

xemu supports virtually all gamepads and up to four controllers, although only the Xbox controller is emulated.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Emulation

It emulates the Xbox’s hardware at a low level and is intended to support official titles and homebrew applications.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

License and development

xemu binaries and source are distributed under GNU General Public License version 2, and contributions are welcome on GitHub.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Networking

Networking supports NAT, UDP Tunnel, and Bridged Adapter modes for connecting to other xemu instances or real Xboxes locally or over the Internet.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Networking integrations

The networking documentation describes connecting to tunneling services such as Xlink Kai and says xemu provides free servers for playing with other xemu users.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Required files

Running xemu requires an MCPX boot ROM image, a BIOS image, and a hard disk image, which users must acquire themselves.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Resolution scaling

The homepage says games can be scaled from 480p to 1080p while running.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Save states

Snapshots save or restore the full machine state, including the loaded disc, attached controllers, and hard drive state.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Security and legal notice

The project describes itself as an independent educational emulation effort, says it is not affiliated with Microsoft, and says it does not endorse piracy.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

System requirements

An OpenGL 4.0-compatible GPU is required, and game performance varies with the host system.Read 4 Oct 2026 · xemu.app

Plans and prices

Every xemu plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Emulator Software#30 of 397.4
• Game Console Emulators#31 of 357.4