The source code for the original Xbox has reportedly leaked

The source code for the original Xbox console has reportedly leaked online.

According to a report from The Verge, the leak is genuine and appeared online earlier this month. It includes the kernel for the operating system on the original console, a custom version of Windows 2000.

However, it’s claimed that this data has been privately shared among enthusiasts previously, which suggests that it will unlikely have significant implications for the homebrew scene.

Several emulators exist for the Xbox, but most are said to have struggled to emulate the original Xbox OS and kernel. Backwards compatibility is available via Microsoft‘s official emulation on Xbox One.

A Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to The Verge: “We’re aware of these reports and are investigating,”

Earlier this month Nintendo reportedly suffered a significant leak of information related to its own legacy consoles.

According to various sources archived on Resetera and Reddit, over two terabytes of data was allegedly leaked onto the anonymous forum 4chan over the weekend, including the original source code for Nintendo 64, GameCube and Wii.

The data could, in theory, be used to create illegal clone hardware able to run software and operate exactly like the original systems.

The PC emulation community could also theoretically use the data to improve their software so that it imitates the original systems perfectly. However, since the leaked documentation has been illegally obtained this would put them in murky territory.