Xanite is a free and open-source emulator made for playing original Xbox (launched in 2001) and Xbox 360 (launched in 2005) games on Android devices. It is still in the early stages of development, referred to as a "proof of concept," which means it is not completely refined but shows significant promise. Xanite can handle game formats such as XISO and XBE for Xbox, as well as ISO, XEX, and GOD for Xbox 360. It is designed to function on modern Android phones without requiring root access, making it easy for casual gamers to use. The emulator utilizes cores from projects like Xemu (for Xbox) and Xenia (for Xbox 360), as mentioned on a DeepWiki page, to replicate console hardware. I have used emulators like PPSSPP for PSP games on Android, and the prospect of playing Xbox classics on my phone with Xanite is exciting!
The original Xbox and Xbox 360 feature legendary game libraries, including titles like Forza Motorsport and Fable. However, playing these games today usually necessitates old consoles or costly PCs. Xanite changes this by allowing you to use your Android phone, which most people already possess. Unlike other emulators such as AetherSX2 for PS2, Xanite supports two consoles within a single app, offering features like automatic hardware detection to enhance performance. A Reddit post (r/EmulationOnAndroid, July 2025) described it as "ambitious" but pointed out that its beta status means some games may not run flawlessly yet. For me, the thought of playing Halo 2 on my phone during my commute is a dream come true!
