Playing Games

The Xbox 360™ console can play only game discs licensed by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and select backward-compatible games made for the original Xbox system. Licensed games bear this logo:

For the latest information about Xbox 360 games, visit the Games section.

For everything you need to know about backward compatibility—including a complete list of backward-compatible original Xbox games—see Q & A: Backward Compatibility.

To start a game:

1. Press the eject button on your console or select Open Tray from any area of the Xbox Dashboard to open the disc tray.
2. Place the Xbox 360 game disc on the disc tray with the label facing out.
3. Press the eject button or select Close Tray from any area of the Xbox Dashboard (except System) to close the disc tray. The game will start.

If a game is loaded but you've stopped playing to do something else in the Xbox Dashboard, simply select Play Game from any area of the Xbox Dashboard (except System) to continue playing.

About Xbox Live

If you have a high-speed Internet account, you can instantly become an Xbox Live Silver member by simply connecting an Ethernet cable from your broadband modem to the Ethernet port on the back of the console. You'll then be able to create a gamertag, access the Xbox Live Marketplace, view gamer cards, participate in chats, get voice messages, make friends, and use Xbox Live Family Settings. Xbox Live Silver members get limited-time gameplay through special events like free Xbox Live Gold weekend play, Xbox Live Game with Fame, and Xbox Live Prime Time.

If you're ready for the full Xbox Live experience, sign up for an Xbox Live Gold membership. Xbox Live Gold gives you all the features of Xbox Live Silver, plus online multiplayer gaming, enhanced matchmaking and feedback tools, privileges and rewards on Xbox Live Marketplace, and media features such as music and photo sharing.