The closest modern Xbox replacement is Halo: The Master Chief Collection. It offers the broadest classic-console shooter package among the current Xbox multiplayer catalog choices. For team-based combat, choose a Gears game; for a competitive change of pace, choose Rocket League; and for cooperative play outside arena shooting, consider Minecraft, Terraria or Human Fall Flat.
The important limitation is that TimeSplitters: Future Perfect itself cannot provide its original Xbox Live multiplayer through backward compatibility. Xbox says original Xbox Live services are not available for backward-compatible games, although local multiplayer and system-link remain available when the original title supported them.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why you need an alternative for online play
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect is an original Xbox game that became backward compatible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S in November 2021. Backward compatibility preserves the game itself, but it does not recreate every network service that existed on the original console.
Xbox’s backward-compatibility documentation explains the restriction directly: “Since these are the original games, not remasters, XBOX Live services such as online multiplayer and in-game marketplaces that were available on the Original XBOX, will not be available.” That means installing the backward-compatible version does not bring back the game’s original online matchmaking or online marketplace functions.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
There is still a way to play with people in the same room. Local multiplayer and system-link can continue to work when those functions were supported by the original game. The distinction is therefore practical:
- Online multiplayer: unavailable for the original Xbox version through modern backward compatibility.
- Local multiplayer: may still work on a single console when supported by the original release.
- System-link: may still work between consoles when supported by the original release.
If your priority is playing with friends over the internet, a current Xbox multiplayer game is the dependable solution. The choices below are listed in Microsoft’s Xbox catalog with shared or split-screen and online-multiplayer filters, where applicable.
Quick comparison of the best alternatives
| Game | Best for | Multiplayer character | Local-play signal in Xbox catalog | Online-play signal in Xbox catalog | Access notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halo: The Master Chief Collection | Classic console-shooter fans | A broad collection of Halo campaigns and competitive modes | Listed under shared/split-screen filters | Listed under online-multiplayer filters | Microsoft marks some catalog entries as included with Game Pass; check the current listing |
| Gears 5 and other Gears entries | Coordinated team combat | Cover-based, squad-focused shooter play | Listed under shared/split-screen filters | Listed under online-multiplayer filters | Game Pass status varies by title and can change |
| Rocket League | Fast competitive matches without firearms | Online and same-room team competition | Listed under shared/split-screen filters | Listed under online-multiplayer filters | Check the current Xbox store page for availability and access terms |
| Minecraft | Persistent cooperative play | Shared building, exploration and survival rather than arena shooting | Listed under shared/split-screen filters | Listed under online-multiplayer filters | Edition, subscription and regional availability should be checked before purchase |
| Terraria | Lower-intensity cooperative adventure | Exploration, crafting and combat in a side-view sandbox | Listed under shared/split-screen filters | Listed under online-multiplayer filters | Verify the current catalog entry |
| Human Fall Flat | Casual group sessions | Physics-based cooperative puzzle stages | Listed under shared/split-screen filters | Listed under online-multiplayer filters | Verify the current catalog entry |
Microsoft’s U.S. catalog view showed 68 matching Xbox items when checked in 2026. The count and individual availability can change, so treat the catalog as a current filter rather than a permanent list. Several entries carry a Game Pass-included label, but the label belongs to the specific title and edition displayed and should be checked at the time you play.
1. Halo: The Master Chief Collection — the closest overall substitute
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is the strongest first choice when what you miss is the feel of a classic console shooter. Rather than replacing one short campaign or one multiplayer suite, it provides a broad collection in one package. That makes it a practical answer for groups who want several shooter experiences without maintaining separate games.
Why it fits TimeSplitters players
- It is built around console-first shooting rather than a PC-only competitive format.
- The collection format gives a group more than one campaign and multiplayer context to try.
- Microsoft’s Xbox catalog places it under both shared/split-screen and online-multiplayer filters.
The match is about breadth and accessibility, not identical design. TimeSplitters is known for its unusual characters, time-travel setting and arcade-like variety; Halo has its own science-fiction tone, weapon balance and movement rules. Choose it when the essential requirement is “a substantial console shooter that works online now,” not when you need a scene-for-scene replacement.
Who should choose it
Choose the collection for a mixed group with different tastes. One person can prefer campaign play while another wants competitive matches, and the package offers more room to switch activities than a single-mode replacement. It is also the safest recommendation when you want the closest broad replacement rather than a genre change.
2. Gears 5 and other Gears games — best for coordinated teams
Microsoft’s multiplayer catalog places Gears 5, Gears, Gears 4 and Gears of War 3 under the same shared/split-screen and online-multiplayer filters. The series is a strong alternative when your group values team roles, deliberate movement and coordinated fights more than the free-running, arcade feel associated with TimeSplitters.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What changes from a classic arena shooter
Gears is structured around cover and squad tactics. Positioning, timing and communication matter more than simply moving through an open arena and collecting weapons. That makes it a better choice for a regular team that enjoys planning attacks or defending an objective.
Which entry to consider
- Gears 5: the clearest modern starting point among the listed entries.
- Gears 4: another modern option if your group already owns it or prefers its campaign and multiplayer package.
- Gears of War 3: a previous-generation choice that may appeal to players seeking an older console-era presentation.
- Gears: check the exact product page and edition, because catalog naming can distinguish a current release from an earlier entry.
Do not select a Gears title solely because it appears in a search result. Open the individual Xbox listing and confirm that its online and local capabilities match the way your group plans to play.
3. Rocket League — competitive multiplayer without a shooter
Rocket League keeps the short-match intensity and mechanical competition many players want from an online game, but replaces guns with car-based football. Microsoft’s catalog lists it under both shared/split-screen and online-multiplayer filters.
Why it works for a mixed group
Matches are easy to understand: teams try to put a ball into the opposing goal. Mastery comes from movement, positioning and timing rather than memorizing a large campaign or learning a wide arsenal. Local players can share a console, while online teammates can join the same broader session.
Trade-offs
- It is competitive rather than cooperative in the traditional adventure-game sense.
- There is no first-person shooting, story campaign or time-travel setting.
- Its simple rules conceal a demanding skill curve, so new players may need practice before ranked or highly competitive sessions feel comfortable.
Pick Rocket League when the social requirement is “quick online matches that are fun to replay,” not “a shooter with unusual weapons and characters.”
4. Minecraft — cooperative play that persists between sessions
Minecraft is the largest departure from TimeSplitters on this list, yet it solves a different version of the same social problem: giving a group a shared world to return to. Microsoft’s catalog lists it with shared/split-screen and online-multiplayer capabilities.
What your group does together
- Build a common base or larger construction project.
- Explore, gather resources and craft equipment.
- Choose how much danger, competition or structure the shared world should contain.
That open-ended format suits groups that want longer sessions and continuity rather than a sequence of discrete matches. It is also useful when players have different experience levels because everyone can contribute in different ways.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What to verify before starting
Check the exact Minecraft edition shown for your console, the current Game Pass or purchase status, and the multiplayer permissions for each account. Edition and access details can vary by region and change over time. The catalog’s multiplayer filters establish that the title belongs in this comparison, but they do not guarantee that every account has identical access conditions.
5. Terraria — cooperative exploration with a lighter presentation
Terraria provides online and shared/split-screen multiplayer in Microsoft’s catalog while moving to a two-dimensional sandbox format. It is a good fit for players who want exploration, crafting and combat but do not need a first-person viewpoint.
Why it suits smaller groups
The game’s progression gives a party reasons to explore together, gather materials and prepare for tougher encounters. Its lower-intensity presentation can make it easier to organize a relaxed evening than a demanding competitive shooter.
When it is the wrong choice
Do not choose Terraria if the non-negotiable requirement is fast first-person gunplay. Its value is cooperative discovery and progression, not reproducing TimeSplitters weapon handling or arena layouts.
6. Human Fall Flat — casual cooperative sessions
Human Fall Flat is the most party-oriented recommendation here. Microsoft lists it with shared/split-screen and online-multiplayer support. Players guide physics-driven characters through puzzle stages, often creating memorable failures as much as successful solutions.
Best use case
Choose it when your group wants a low-pressure game that can be understood quickly and enjoyed without shooter expertise. It is especially suitable for mixed-experience groups or sessions where conversation and experimentation matter more than winning.
Its main limitation
There is no meaningful mechanical overlap with TimeSplitters beyond the shared multiplayer goal. Treat it as a social alternative, not a shooter replacement.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How to choose the right game
Start with the activity your group actually wants, then confirm platform and access details. Use this decision path:
- Need a shooter first? Start with Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Choose Gears 5 or another Gears entry if your team prefers cover and coordinated movement.
- Need short competitive matches but not guns? Choose Rocket League.
- Want a world that remains available between sessions? Choose Minecraft.
- Prefer cooperative exploration and crafting? Choose Terraria.
- Want a casual puzzle party? Choose Human Fall Flat.
- Need same-room play? Confirm that the individual Xbox listing still shows shared or split-screen support, then check the game’s own local multiplayer options after installation.
- Need internet play? Confirm the online-multiplayer capability on the current product page and make sure every player has the required account and access permissions.
How to verify a game before installing it
Catalog capabilities and subscription labels can change, so verify the exact edition your group will use instead of relying on a remembered list.
- Open the Microsoft Store or Xbox catalog on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S.
- Search for the exact game and open its product page.
- Review the listed capabilities for online multiplayer and shared or split-screen play.
- Check whether the page marks that specific edition as included with Game Pass. An inclusion label can change and may not apply to every related edition.
- Confirm the language, region and console-generation information shown for your account.
- Install the same compatible edition for each player, then use the game’s multiplayer menu to create or join a session.
For local play, connect the required controllers before opening the multiplayer menu and look for the game’s add-player prompt. For online play, have every player sign in before the host sends an invitation. The exact menu wording differs by title, so follow the prompts shown by the installed game rather than assuming that one game’s steps apply to another.
What remains possible with TimeSplitters: Future Perfect itself
If your friends are in the same room, you may still have a reason to keep the backward-compatible version installed. The Xbox documentation’s restriction applies to original Xbox Live services; it does not remove local multiplayer or system-link functions that the original game supported.
Single-console sessions
Use the game’s local multiplayer menu and connect the controllers required by the original release. This is the simplest way to preserve the classic experience without relying on an online service that no longer exists through backward compatibility.
System-link sessions
If you have multiple consoles and copies that support the original system-link arrangement, test the local network setup before inviting a large group. System-link is not the same as Xbox Live: it connects consoles locally and does not restore internet matchmaking.
What will not work
Do not expect the backward-compatible copy to expose the original Xbox Live multiplayer service or its in-game marketplace. Installing the game on a newer Xbox does not convert it into a remaster with modern online infrastructure.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Game Pass and physical-copy considerations
Microsoft’s catalog marks several of the alternatives as included with Game Pass, but inclusion is title-specific and can change. Check the current listing for the exact game, edition and region before planning a group session around a subscription.
Physical-edition availability is also regional and edition-dependent. A disc for one Xbox generation may not be the same product as a backward-compatible digital listing, and a boxed copy may not include every later update or collection component. Verify the platform generation, seller, region, stock and current terms for any physical purchase.
Common mistakes when replacing the game
Assuming backward compatibility restores every feature
It does not. The original game can run on supported modern Xbox consoles, but original Xbox Live services remain unavailable.
Choosing by genre alone
A shooter label does not tell you whether a game emphasizes arena action, cover tactics, persistent cooperation or casual puzzles. Match the group’s preferred activity to the game’s structure.
Ignoring local play
Some groups want friends on one couch, while others need internet sessions. Confirm the shared/split-screen capability separately from online multiplayer.
Taking a subscription badge as permanent
Game Pass catalogs change. Recheck the product page when you are ready to install or renew access.
Expecting identical editions across regions
Catalog visibility, physical stock and access terms can differ by region. Use the store view associated with the account and console that will actually play the game.
Bottom line: which alternative should you buy?
Choose Halo: The Master Chief Collection if you want the closest broad, modern console-shooter substitute. Choose Gears 5 or another listed Gears entry for team-focused cover combat. Choose Rocket League for replayable competitive matches, Minecraft for a persistent cooperative world, Terraria for exploration and crafting, or Human Fall Flat for casual group puzzles.
Keep TimeSplitters: Future Perfect for local multiplayer or system-link when your group can meet in person. For internet play on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, use one of the current alternatives and verify its multiplayer capabilities and Game Pass status at the time you play.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
