Xbox has a massive hidden library of 'free' games you're not supposed to know about

Xbox gamers have discovered that there’s a hidden library of games that we can access that we’re not supposed to know about.

When subscribing to services such as Xbox Game Pass, we have access to hundreds of video games that we can play in an instant from AAA big hitters like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to indie darlings like Blue Prince.

However, there is a secret feature that allows us to play retro video games of yesteryear, many of which were never released on any Xbox console generation.

Check out the Blue Prince trailer below!

“I just got an Xbox Series S. I’m accepting any, and all tips and tricks,” declared Redditor Joroedo.

“You can pay Microsoft £20 for dev mode. This allows you to side-load apps like RetroArch and play emulated consoles such as PS1 and PS2,” replied 8BallsGarage.

“I just finished Silent Hill 2 and 3 at 4k 60fps with HD texture packs,” replied another user. “I was also able to run every GameCube and Wii game I tried, as well as with texture packs.”

In a nutshell, RetroArch is a free, open-source emulator that can be used to play classic games, regardless of the original platform. So in theory, you could be playing the likes of Super Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda right now on Xbox.

Another way to play a ton of retro classics on Xbox, and a method that is a lot easier to access than RetroArch, is Anstream Arcade, which costs about £80 for lifetime access.

In our review of Anstream Arcade, we said: “While players won’t be blown away by a good majority of the selection, there’s more than enough for everyone to enjoy, and if you’re passionate about retro game preservation, the hidden gems will definitely be of interest to you.”

For the dedicated among you though, the free RetroArch is well worth looking into once you get past that £20 dev mode fee.