There are two permanent modifications that allow ISOs to work:
Before RGH, users flashed the DVD drive firmware. This does allow burned dual-layer DVDs to work. However, modern anti-patch checks will flag these discs. You also cannot play ISO files from a hard drive with this method alone. It is obsolete for most users.
Even when a game “works,” you need a powerful PC:
– but almost always require either modified hardware (RGH/JTAG) or PC emulation (Xenia). For most users today, RGH is the gold standard: full compatibility, no discs, and access to DLC/updates. Xenia is improving but still not a replacement for original hardware on many games.
Once converted, games appear in the official Microsoft dashboard like digital purchases.