Transferring Fallout 3 Saves: PC ↔ Xbox 360 (Impossible)

Direct save transfer between PC and Xbox 360 is impossible. The file formats, encryption, and profile signing are fundamentally incompatible.

Technical Barriers

• PC Save: SavegameXX.fos (unencrypted, plain binary, variable structure per mod list).
• Xbox 360 Save: SAVE####.svg inside a CON container (XCON), signed with the profile's XUID and console certificate. Encrypted with per-console keys.
• Memory Layout: Xbox 360 uses big-endian PowerPC; PC uses little-endian x86. Pointers, floats, formIDs differ.
• Mod Data: PC saves embed plugin references (FormIDs offset by load order). Console has no mods.

What Doesn't Work

• Renaming extensions.
• Horizon / Modio / 360 Content Manager — they resign Xbox saves, cannot convert PC→Xbox.
• Gibbed Save Editors — PC only.
• Cloud Sync — Xbox 360 cloud storage is for Xbox saves only; no cross-platform bridge.

Only Viable Workarounds

1. Start Fresh on Target Platform. Use coc / player.setlevel / advlevel console commands (PC) to replicate progress in minutes.
2. Xbox 360 → PC (One Way, Partial): Extract Xbox save → Use FO3 Save Game Converter (Xbox 360 → PC) by korator. Converts stats/inventory/position. Quest progress often breaks. Requires unmodded PC target.
3. Play on PC with Controller + Mods: Best experience. Use Tale of Two Wastelands (TTW) to play F3 in FNV engine with all fixes.

Do not trust "save converter" services asking for money/profile login—they are scams.