The Xbox is one of the most powerful consoles ever designed. Most gamers would not associate it with simple HMTL5 games that you can play on a potato PC or laptop!
But believe it or not, the Xbox One has had the ability to play these games almost from the beginning – from 2014 to be precise. The internet browser available on the Xbox is quite close to the PC version and comes with full support for HTML5.
Now with next-gen looming ever closer in 2020, HTML5 games will acquire added significance on the Xbox Series X. Why? Because with its amazing specs, it could easily become a cheaper alternative to a gaming PC.
Gaming does not always have to be about AAA or even indie titles. HTML5 games can surprise you with their addictive gameplay, even on a console.
Here are some popular sites you can visit from your Xbox in 2020 to play HTML5 games:
Playboxie
One of the oldest websites of its kind that is still alive in 2020, Playboxie is focused entirely on HTML5 games that work on all major platforms – Xbox, PS4, Wii, and PC. In fact, when you visit this site from your Xbox, it will automatically detect the platform and show you only games that are compatible with your box.
There are dozens of cool little games that you can try here. The most popular options include the following:
- Pacman: This is a faithful recreation of the evergreen classic in HTML5. What makes it so special is the fact that it is a licensed product of Namco Bandai and not a fan project. You even get a chance to create your own mazes! There are hundreds of thousands of user-created mazes available here, promising you endless hours of fun.
- Snake II: If you owned one of the older Nokia phones before the smartphone era, you must have played this game. Snake II HTML5 is an exact replica of that old classic, down to the graphics and monochrome colors. It is well worth a shot for nostalgia, if not anything else.
- Flappy Bird: This game became a mobile gaming craze in 2013. Developed by one guy, its viral status only lasted a few weeks though. But there is no doubting its qualities – it is simple, easy to pick up and play, and quite addictive as well. Avoid obstacles and try to keep the flappy bird in the air for as long as possible!
- Cut the Rope: Starring the cute and adorable “Om Nom”, this is a very popular game from the Android Play Store. Now you can play the HTML5 version directly on your Xbox browser – no need to cast from your device.
Since all games are tested to work on Xbox, controller support is guaranteed. This is quite crucial, since mouse and keyboard support for apps is not available these days, at least on the browser. The main disadvantage here is that the number of games is limited, at least when compared to some other online sites out there.
Itch.io
For a massive and varied selection of Xbox-compatible HTML5 games, this website is a fantastic choice. There are over 1000 games with Xbox controller support available here. It has a community-driven approach, meaning anyone is free to upload their HTML5 creations at Itch.io.
The game selection includes a lot of retro titles, platformers, puzzles, racing games, shooters, and other assorted action games. In terms of the actual quality of the games, it is all over the place. Some of the more popular games are:
- RC Rampage: With polished 3D graphics, this racing game has you controlling tiny RC cars in a small field. The AI will also launch cars that you have to avoid while trying to stay within the game area. Staying alive can be very tricky in a small field filled with four or more cars!
- Edna: This is an old-school dungeon crawler platformer with retro pixel graphics. You play as Edna, a witch who is trying to escape an old castle. There are plenty of puzzles to solve, doors to unlock, and objects you can “possess” to control from afar!
- Pigglet: This is an adult-oriented game loosely based on the piglets and big bad wolf rhymes. It looks and plays like an old-school RPG adventure game where you play an amorous pig. Try not to get eaten by the big bad wolf!
The site has tons of games, both free games as well as a shop where creators can sell their titles. Itch.io also hosts game jams where people can join and create games. Over 90,000 HTML5 games on the site were created through these jams.
Online Casinos
Did you know that modern instant-play online casinos have hundreds or even thousands of games, all designed in HTML5? You can play them all in an HTML5 browser, like the one you get in your Xbox. And the best part is that the games are free if you use a no deposit bonus.
Video slots offer the best gaming experience on Xbox since you just need to click on one button to play. Even if the games were originally made for keyboard/mouse and touchscreens, they work fine with a controller on the Xbox.
Just remember that these are strictly for adults (18+ or even 21+) in some areas. And don’t forget to check your local laws to see if online casinos are legal. If they are, you are in for a real treat. Now, you can play with real money and win real bucks too, unlike the casinos in GTA V online!
