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Next-Gen Xbox To Lack Backwards Compatibility?

Posted by simoniker on from the little-birdie-told-me dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Biz news site Gamesindustry.biz is reporting that Microsoft's Xbox 2 won't be backward compatible with games for the current Xbox, and quoting 'sources close to Microsoft's senior Xbox executives' explaining some of the thinking behind the decision. All very cloak and dagger, although I guess whoever told them would probably be in line for a firing if they found out... So, is Microsoft right or wrong on this one? Have any Slashdot readers ever actually used the backwards compatibility on their PlayStation 2?"

3 of 842 comments (clear)

  1. Re:one of the reasons they prospered w/the PC? by ron_ivi · · Score: 5, Funny
    Not backwared compatible? Does that mean it won't run Linux?

    bummer.

  2. knee-jerk by NanoGator · · Score: 5, Funny

    "So, is Microsoft right or wrong on this one?"

    They're wrong, of course! Uh.. later I'll come up with a reason, I was just a little short on karma.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
  3. Re:one of the reasons they prospered w/the PC? by ev1lcanuck · · Score: 5, Funny
    First, thanks for the link to their get the facts - I had them send me the evaluation kit just so they could pay for it. Plus I get that warm fuzzy feeling when I get mail.

    Second, I definitely agree with you, that they've backed themselves into a hole in more than one way. They've decided to change the entire architecture of the system, removing HDDs, going for a different chipset etc. It will be next to impossible for them to get the licenses and then make the thing emulate in time for release.

    Third, backwards compatibility was a huge advantage for the PS2 when it came to the market. It meant that people could buy their console and go home and play some excellent games from the PS1 instead of being forced to suffer through some of those horrendous launch titles. Having the backwards compatibility simply adds more value to the purchase.

    Looks like Microsoft made some bad decisions here. Surprise, surprise!