Microsoft has quietly brought back physical game cartridges to the gaming ecosystem, with Xbox now licensing classic titles for release on modern cartridge-based systems. The move comes through Evercade, a retro gaming platform that focuses on officially licensed collections released on physical cartridges rather than digital downloads.

In late November last year, Evercade released two new cartridges featuring games from the back catalogues of Rare and Activision, both of which are owned by Microsoft. The releases required Xbox approval and mark a rare example of the brand supporting physical media outside its own hardware.

Evercade’s cartridges work across several devices, including a home console, handheld systems and a bartop arcade cabinet, all using the same slot-in format.

More Xbox-licensed cartridges are already planned, with Evercade confirming at least two further Activision collections set for release in 2026.

There is also speculation that additional Rare collections could follow, with fans questioning whether other Xbox-owned studios could be involved in future releases.

Xbox already offers access to many classic titles through digital options such as Rare Replay, Xbox Retro Classics and third-party services like Antstream Arcade.

However, the return of officially licensed cartridges offers a different option aimed at collectors and players who prefer physical ownership.

While Microsoft remains firmly focused on digital gaming and subscriptions, especially through its always-popular Xbox Game Pass, this partnership shows that physical formats still have a place alongside the gaming giant’s more modern strategy.