Xbox 2 won't be backwards compatible with original Xbox games

by Peter Rojas { Jun 21st 2004 at 2:55PM }

Apparently some top Xbox execs are quietly confirming that the Xbox 2 isn't going to be backwards compatible with original Xbox games. Seems that since they're using a different kind of processor and graphics chip set, getting the emulation to work was going to be a real pain in the ass so they're just dropping it entirely. You gotta hope that this means that Microsoft'll work even harder to make sure there are as many titles available for the Xbox 2 when it comes out in late 2005 or 2006 (don't bet on it, though), but that said, not having backwards compatibility is really more of an inconvenience than anything else, since if you have a ton of original Xbox games lying around then you probably also have an original Xbox console to play them on.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Benjaz @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Microsoft couldn't screw up more with this move. Backward compatibility was a major factor to PS2's success. The combo of an early release for the next Xbox, no backward compatibility and competing for developers who will still be making GC and PS2 games (which can't port to Xbox2)...you can kiss MS goodbye if this news is true.

Mike Krempasky @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

But I had a PS2 - and some old PS1 games when I bought it.

I never played a single old one again. I mean, the jump was so significant I just found the old games well...crappy.

Sure, I'm just an anecdote - but just registering my confusion for the record.

Fuzzy Gerdes @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

I'm just an anecdote, too, but I was playing PS1 games on my PS2 just last night. I think backwards compatibility is, for many people, a feels-right feature, even if they never use it.

Grendal @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Even if you never threw a PS1 game into your PS2, the fact that you felt you could was probably a factor in your decision to buy.

With XBox2, the fact that you CAN'T throw in an XB1 game will be a major factor in people's decision NOT to buy (even if, in reality, it's a feature that no one will ever use).

Lord_Ashe @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Have to say this may not be such a bright idea, MS. First they want to scrap the HDD (which gave at least SOME life to modders), now the console won't be backwards compatible?

Like Fuzzy says, it's a feel right feature, and you never know when you may just want to give Halo a spin on the new console...

Bah!

Neil Deadman @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

I can't see this being a problem. I'd like to see hardware able to work so I don't have to buy new controllers, but as for games. No.

I have never owned a PSone and only ever played a PS2 because my brother has one. I chose the XBox because I believe it to be a better console (not that everyone agrees I know!!). My decision to buy a PS3 or Xbox 2 will again be based on what I think is the better machine. If I get a PS3 I won't be able to play the games anyway, so it makes no difference!! I'll keep my XBOX to play the games I have at present.

The HDD was a great idea, especially for those modding. I've seen what modders can do with their Xbox and if I had the nerve to do it to mine I would. There is some great software out there. However, I gather it allows games to be copied and used and although this is another bonus for modders, its not so hot for MS and the game developers.

bwana @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

I've played PS1 games on my PS2 quite a bit. Don't forget about all the people who had their PS1's tilted on their side or upside-down to get the ROM to read properly; the PS2, at launch, was a replacement PS1, DVD player, and spanking-new console all in one.

Reschke @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Personally I could care less about backwards compatibility. If it has it good if not then its not a deal breaker. I bought an XB1 because I felt then as I do now that it is the better of what is available in the market for game playing consoles. However it wouldn't be that way to me without the HDD. That little addition simply makes loading games and saving them far and away the best thing for any console I have ever owned.

lordyupa @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

While Sony's PS3 will run games of the original playstation of 10 years ago you won't be able to play Top Spin with your brand new Xenon !
Who, I wonder, takes this kind of decisions ?
It seems that every idea by Sony has a focus, is deep thought, and every idea in Microsoft is taken randomly just agaist hardcore gamers.

Trueshadow21 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Backwards compat. will be a huge factor in buying, I never have played my ps1 games on my ps2 but just having the option is what is changing a lot of gamers minds. With the new xbox I do have a problem with not being able to play Halo 2 on it. I have been playing halo 2 every day since it came out ( I am not kidding, I play 4-5 hours a day.) and having to use to consoles will be a pain is the butt. Unless Halo 3 is a release title I am not even going to use my Xbox 2 for a while after I buy it. MS needs to know how big of a sucsess some of it's titles are before they through backwards compat. out of the way.

MainMor @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Backwards Compat is very important to me. I invested a lot of money into my games, I like owning instead of renting.

So instead of consolidating my collection and playing on 1 system, I have to have 2.... juggling space and purchasing Audio/Video A/B switches

I love playing my older games and this will be a real deciding factor on whom I will support in the future.