Cxbx

Cxbx is a powerful Xbox emulator, able to convert an Xbox game file into an executable that Windows can handle just fine.

It was brought on a market that falls short of such utilities, impressing through the array of manipulations provided to the end user.

Despite the success and recognition that surrounded the emulator during its time of glory, the project started to fade off throughout the years, so much so that it has now reached a stage where it is no longer being actively maintained.

This comes as bad news, considering that there are no other worthy alternatives to replace it. Projects such as Xeon or Dxbx (which is a Delphi port of Cxbx) vanished as well, so users have no choice but to continue using Cxbx, even though it’s outdated.

It is still usable, sporting support for over 60 Xbox games - listed at this address. It comes wrapped up inside a portable package and sports a simple, yet user-friendly interface.

You can add or import a new file in Xbe format using the File menu, while patches can be handled from the Edit menu. There’s also an option for debugging the data in GUI or kernel mode, which can be done via the View section.

As far as Settings are concerned, the program provides possibilities to configure the controller (analog and digital buttons), as well as to customize various video options such as the display adapter, resolution and Direct3D device.

On an ending note, Cxbx was a very bold endeavor that could have been so much more than an outdated application. There’s no telling if the development will be resumed at some point.