While attempting to play an original Xbox game on your Xbox 360 console, you receive the error message: "Can't play this game"

This article describes a problem you may experience when you play an original Xbox game on your Xbox 360 console. Additionally, we've provided steps that you can use to try to resolve the problem.

When you try to play an original Xbox game on your Xbox 360 console, you receive the following error message:

This issue may occur if a runtime error prevents your Xbox 360 console from successfully loading the original Xbox game. A runtime error can occur for many reasons. Sometimes, the issue may just be that the disc is dirty, smudged, scratched, or otherwise damaged.

Try the following steps to resolve this issue:

1. Verify that the game is on the approved backward compatibility list. To do this, please visit the following Xbox Web site:
   http://www.xbox.com/games (http://www.xbox.com/games)
2. Examine the disc for physical defects, smudges, or scratches.
3. Clean the disc, and then try again.
   • Hold the disc by the edges without touching the surface with your fingers.
   • Clean the disc by using a soft, clean cloth, lightly wiping from the center outwards.
   • Do not use solvents or chemicals to clean the disc.
4. If you have an original Xbox console, try to play the game in the original Xbox console.

If the issue persists, contact Xbox Customer Support.

Additional support

If the steps in the previous section did not resolve your issue, your console may have to be repaired. For more information about how to start the online repair process, please visit one of the following Web Page links: For more information about how to contact Xbox Customer Support directly, please visit the following Microsoft Web site: