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How to Play The Simpsons Game on PC with Native Support

An unofficial recompilation lets you run The Simpsons Game natively on Windows, but you need your own Xbox 360 copy and ISO. Here’s how to install it and what to expect.
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Yes—there is an unofficial way to run The Simpsons Game natively on a Windows PC: The Simpsons Game Recompiled, a community project for Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. You must supply your own Xbox 360 game copy and an ISO; the project does not include the game. EA’s original 2007 platform list did not include PC, so this is not an official EA PC release.

What “native support” means here

The project recompiles the Xbox 360 game code to run on x86-64 PCs. It is separate from an official PC port, and an Xbox 360 disc does not simply run in Windows. EA’s 2007 announcement listed Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, Wii, and Nintendo DS, but not PC (EA’s original platform announcement).

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Microsoft announced an early-release Xbox backward-compatibility program for PC in July 2026, but The Simpsons Game was not among the four games in that announcement. That program is not currently a documented route for playing this title on PC (Xbox Wire announcement).

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What you need before installing

  • A 64-bit x86 processor and a current Direct3D 12 driver on Windows.
  • The standard Windows build requires AVX2. If your CPU supports SSE4.2 but not AVX2, the project provides a separate -NoAVX2 package; it runs the same game somewhat slower.
  • About 5 GB of free space for the installed game data, according to the project README.
  • Your own Xbox 360 copy and an ISO image made from it. The project supplies no game assets; use a copy you own and follow applicable backup laws.

The project targets the USA Xbox 360 release (title ID 45410809). Its README says the European release also boots and plays, but has been tested less. Windows is described as playable, though less tested than Linux; most Windows testing has been on Steam Deck hardware. Check the project’s README and releases for current requirements and packages before downloading.

#1 Best Overall
The Simpsons: Hit and Run
  • Mission-based driving game featuring the cast of the Simpsons
  • New story and dialogue crafted by writers from The Simpsons television show
  • All character voices supplied by the cast of The Simpsons television show
  • Over 56 missions in 7 huge levels
  • For one or more players

Install and launch on Windows

  1. Open the project’s releases page and download the Windows archive that matches your CPU. Use the standard package for AVX2; choose -NoAVX2 if your processor has SSE4.2 but lacks AVX2.
  2. Extract the archive to a folder on your PC.
  3. Run simpsons-launcher.exe. The project describes the launcher as standalone; Python is not required.
  4. In the launcher, open the Install tab and select the ISO of your own Xbox 360 copy. The launcher extracts and installs the game data.
  5. When installation finishes, press Play. The launcher can also add the game to Steam if you want to launch it from your library.

Controls: a controller is optional

A controller is recommended, but keyboard and mouse are supported and remappable. The default keyboard-and-mouse layout includes WASD for movement, mouse camera control, Space to jump or confirm, left-click to attack, and E to talk, use, or pick up items. Consult the launcher settings and the project’s in-game controls reference for the full mapping.

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Frame rate and known issues

The project sets gameplay to 60 FPS by default, while menus, the title screen, and loading screens remain at 30 FPS. Some scripted sequences may behave incorrectly at 60 FPS. The README specifically warns that random deaths can occur in the dam section of “Lisa the Tree Hugger”; if they do, switch gameplay to 30 FPS for that section.

Rank #2
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
  • Includes collectible trading card
  • Works with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP

If videos display a black screen on Windows, the project recommends trying the Vulkan graphics backend. For current troubleshooting guidance, use the project’s README, since compatibility details can change.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
The Simpsons: Hit and Run
The Simpsons: Hit and Run
Mission-based driving game featuring the cast of the Simpsons; New story and dialogue crafted by writers from The Simpsons television show
$44.99
Bestseller No. 2
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Includes collectible trading card; Works with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
$44.99
Bestseller No. 4
Mattel Games UNO The Simpsons Card Game, Ages 7+, 2-10 Players
Mattel Games UNO The Simpsons Card Game, Ages 7+, 2-10 Players
When down to one card, players don't yell, 'Ay Caramba' -- they yell, 'UNO!'
Bestseller No. 5
Rank #4
Mattel Games UNO The Simpsons Card Game, Ages 7+, 2-10 Players
  • The UNO game players love features graphics inspired by characters from the series The Simpsons.
  • Game play mirrors the classic card game where players match colors and numbers to get rid of all their cards.
  • The special 'Woo-hoo! D'OH!' rule adds a fun twist, where a player may be safe (Woo-hoo!) or may have to add cards (D'OH!)!
  • Unique patterns on each card help identify the color(s) on that card, allowing players with any form of color blindness to play!
  • When down to one card, players don't yell, 'Ay Caramba' -- they yell, 'UNO!'

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.

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