According to IGN, Microsoft has posted the complete list of X-Box games that will run on the X-Box 360 through its backwards compatibility software. While Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, and the Midway Arcade Treasures games are not listed, Mortal Kombat: Deception is on the list.

In addition, the official X-Box site has a Q&A; posted with Todd Holmdahl, in which the particulars of X-Box 360's backwards-compatibility are discussed. From the article:

Xbox.com: How is your backward compatibility solution going to work?

Todd: As you've heard from us before, backward compatibility on Xbox 360 is done through software. Now that we've solved the technical challenge and the emulator is working, we're certifying each original Xbox title by hand to run on Xbox 360.

What I'm really proud to tell you and your readers is that it's easy to get the emulation software, and it's free. We'll give gamers a choice--you can get the latest software updates from Xbox Live, burn a CD from xbox.com or sign up on Xbox.com for a CD that can be delivered to your home at a nominal shipping and handling fee. Once you get the CD, put it in your Xbox 360 and you're ready to go.

...

Xbox.com: What if I put in a game that isn't backward compatible?

Todd: I want to clarify--if a game isn't on the list at Xbox.com/Games, it won't run on your Xbox 360 console. Putting in a game that's not on the list will give you a message saying that the game is not currently supported on Xbox 360 and point you to Xbox.com/Games for more information.

We're working hard to determine the next batch of backward compatible titles, and would love to get feedback directly from gamers as well. We'll have a place on Xbox.com where gamers can tell us their thoughts as we get closer to launch.

...

Xbox.com: How will you deliver the emulators for backward compatibility?

Todd: There are several different ways that you can get them:

For Xbox Live members (either Gold or Silver members), just connect your Xbox 360 console to Xbox Live and insert an original Xbox game. The system will automatically check if you have the latest emulation software, download it to your Xbox 360 console as part of a system update if you don't, reboot, and start loading your original Xbox game.

Those who are not part of our Xbox Live network will be able to download the emulators from Xbox.com, and burn them onto a CD to insert into your Xbox 360 where it will auto-install the emulator. Or you can go to Xbox.com and simply sign up for a CD to be sent to your home for a nominal shipping and handling fee.

Thus, it seems apparent that while MK: Deception is the only Mortal Kombat game that will be immediately available on the X-Box 360, there's always the possibility that others will become playable over time, especially if fan demand warrants it. We'll be keeping an eye on this list; as we learn more, we'll be sure to pass the news on to you!

To read the IGN article that led to this story, click here. To see the full list of X-Box 360 compatible games, click here. To read the interview with Todd Holmdahl in its entirety, click here.

Our thanks to forum member ShaolinChuan for the heads-up on this important news story!