[TUT] Play Original Xbox Games Online For Free - Halo 2! - XboxMB

Creed · 10-09-2010

As we all know, as of April 2010 you can no longer play Halo 2 on Xbox LIVE.
I'm going to show you how to play it online using your computer and a program called XBConnect on either Xbox or Xbox 360.

Tutorial Credit: Creed

XBConnect is a program that hosts lobbies for numerous games (mostly original Xbox) and uses system linking to play them online. You can find a list of supported games below, but usually Halo 2 has the most lobbies. It is very safe and relatively easy to use and you can use gamer profiles to connect. You don't need a Gamertag! I know this from experience as I used this back in the day when I didn't have Xbox LIVE.

XBConnect - Supported Games

Step 1: Download XBConnect

Step 2: It is important you adjust your computer's firewall settings to allow XBConnect through. It may pop up and allow you to unblock it or you may have to do it manually.

Step 3: XBConnect can be setup somewhat wirelessly, but I recommend using an ethernet cord just to make things easier. Plug the cord directly from the computer you are using into your Xbox/Xbox 360.

Step 4: Open up XBConnect if you haven't done so already and create an account and login. Turn on your console and with the game of your choice find the system linking menu.

Step 5: At the top of the program, select Tools -> Find -> Console.

Select all your adapters and when it asks if the console is attached to a wireless
network, select no. It should now search and if done correctly, find your console.

Step 6: You are all set! At the left side of the program find and select the game you want to play and you will find a list of lobbies. Alternatively, you can create your own lobby or chat to other members.

NOTE: There usually aren't too many lobbies other than for Halo 2.
As you can see, there is only one lobby online for Halo 2 (keep in mind it's almost 5am), server name PhuRioN.

Step 7: Double click the lobby you would like to play (high ping = lag). A box should pop up with a list of people playing and some other information. You may have to wait for the host to open the game, but it should pop up on your system link games.
Sometimes games don't show any information, just a blank screen with no members. I'm not sure why, but in this case just select a new lobby.

Step 8: Enjoy!
XBConnect also doesn't check/ban for mod chips so feel free to have some fun.

Troubleshooting

Can't figure it out? Don't worry. Check out the official website below for troubleshooting and even a forum to ask questions.
XBConnect - Help

EDIT:
XLink Kai
XLink is another program that uses system linking to host lobbies. It's very much like XBConnect and some people even prefer it. You can see their Quick Start Guide below for a step-by-step tutorial.

Quick Start Guide

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions and I will try my best to help.

Hemingway · 10-09-2010

Hi Creed,

Great Tut!! I don't have the need for such information now, but it's good to know it can be done. Especially the way the economy is going. One question, can you unlock ONLINE achievements this way? I personally use HORIZON (it's the best Gdam program out there for modifying achievements/stats & now game save editor). But you got me wondering whether the xbox will register as system link or online live? There are a few online achievements that can no longer be gotten in some games because you cannot access those game's servers through XBOX LIVE. (Again, a simple fix with HORIZON!, No I'm not the official Horizon sales rep...I just think it's the best modding program out.

) Again, Great Tut & any thoughts/opinions on those multiplay achievements?

Creed · 10-09-2010

Thanks, Hemingway! I completely agree with you about how awesome Horizon is.

You're not going to be able to unlock achievements because you're not using the Xbox LIVE servers. A lot of these games aren't even playable on XBL, so achievements weren't created for them.