For Microsoft to sell as many Xbox 360s as it can, they must realize the importance of their back catalog of previous generation software. And they have, considering they have poured so many resources into emulating the Intel and Nvidia chipsets on the Xbox 360. But they need to be doing more.
Today, in 2006, I can pick up a PS1 game and play it on my PS2. There are very few exceptions in the PS1 library that will not run on the PS2. I should not have to even own a PS1, that is irrelevant. It has to do with a feature that has become commonplace in the industry. It is something customers want.
Sony has stated that the PS3 will support both PS1 and PS2 games. The Nintendo Wii will play GameCube games. The Xbox 360 might play your Xbox games. That is not the best situation for Microsoft to be in.
Touching on the Nintendo Wii for a moment, they have a Virtual Console. This is Nintendo's way of (other than sucking our wallets dry) providing backwards compatibility at a reasonably low price. While the Wii is not backwards compatible with the NES, it will emulate those games. Backwards compatibility is a Very Good Thing.
While I do not agree with the argument, I do believe the importance of convenience has been overlooked. The reason for backwards compatibility is to push sales, sometimes well after their prime. It also keeps people playing your games and your system longer. This also pushes sales, no matter what generation of hardware the game runs on. Mindshare is as important as marketshare.
Convenience is more important than you think. I like the 360 controller better, and I like playing my Xbox games on my 360 more. I don't even have to turn on my Xbox, let alone deal with wired controllers, etc., etc.
Even though Forza Motorsport looked great on the Xbox, it looks even better on the 360. It took them two tries (it was dog slow before the first major backwards compatibility update) but it runs smooth as can be now. It also runs at a higher resolution.
Is it worth sacrificing your save files to run on the 360? That is a call you will have to make. But I have used the backwards compatibility feature a lot.
Article comments
1 - RJ Elliott
I fully agree with you here, Ken.
Most casual gamers don't wanna switch from one gaming console to another in order to play their favorite "old" games. They want that ability (even if they will only rarely use it) built-in to their new, high-priced console.
Matt can sneer at gamers who lack sufficient motivation to engage in the "physical labor" it requires to manually switch the setup from one console to another, but the fact remains that most gamers are lazy...that's why they're gamers!
Convenience is a crucial factor for most "casual" gamers...and the folks at Microsoft are making a big mistake if they don't include FULL AND COMPLETE backwards-compatibility in the new XBOX 360...
2 - Armin Siljkovic
There's a fine line between offering backwards compatibility and getting people to buy new games.
Too much backwards compatibility and people won't buy enough new Xbox360 games.
Microsoft couldn't care less about the Xbox now, it's all about next gen, the 360.
3 - Ken Edwards
"Too much backwards compatibility and people won't buy enough new Xbox360 games."
I don't buy that for one minute. If the games suck at the launch of the system, it only helps! I am looking at you Sony.
But the 360 had a very good launch. People will buy the next-gen games. People also want to play their "old" games.
4 - Armin Siljkovic
It doesn't make sense business wise, Microsoft has stopped supporting the original Xbox, everything is focused on the next-gen battle.
They can't waste too much energy on Xbox games. People who buy Xbox games probably already have an Xbox. I dunno anyone who has a 360 and has bough a game released on the original.
5 - Ken Edwards
Really? Thats a shame. There have been some good Xbox games released since November that are worth picking up.
6 - Vicarious
I HATE the 360...
Compare with graphics and controlers of other consoles, thers really nothing "NEW" with it, only HD.
Its like an XBOX 1.5
7 - darkbhudda
Switch consoles?
I have to switch from my monitor to TV to play the compatible games.
The TV won't handle PAL-60, outputting it in B&W, and the original XBOX games won't work with the VGA adapter due to them being PAL-50.
8 - dhinge
I agree with Matt, but for the wrong reason. He uses Halo as an example of a an old game that is now compatible, but the main reason it is now compatible is because it was a best-selling game.
I think backwards compatibility is a good idea for new consoles, as it's a further incentive to buy them. Who wouldn't want to be able to play their old games, but have a nicer console? It's not like everybody sells all their games along with their console; they may want to play their faves without an old paperweight. Maybe Microsoft should consider making games that have no replay value?
Another argument for it is that old old games are resurfacing in new formats. Super Mario Bros 1, 2, and 3 were remade for the Super Nintendo, along with Super Metroid for the Game Boy Advance. Resident Evil 1 has been rebuilt for other consoles, like the GameCube. Why not revisit the classics?
I'm still waiting for a next-generation, bump-mapped Panzer Dragoon game. I would buy the X360 if Panzer Dragoon Orta would play on it!