What it does
xemu is a free, open-source emulator for the original Xbox. It supports desktop platforms, controllers and machine snapshots.
Open the compatibility list for your game, then follow the documented setup for required system data. Snapshots can preserve a session between ordinary game checkpoints. xemu is an independent project rather than a Microsoft service, and installing it does not provide a console’s games or firmware.
Strengths
- Desktop-platform builds
- Controller and snapshot support
Best for
- Running a permitted original-Xbox collection
Sources
- xemu: Original Xbox Emulator (Oct 26, 2026)