Yes, we discussed the rumor of #3 here way back in this thread.

Right, so there's more options for backwards compatibility than the two you listed.

But some rumor doesn't make it an option. If I float a rumor out there that Microsoft is going to send digital codes out for your entire 360 library and it doesn't come true, that doesn't suddenly make it a viable option because something made up gained traction on the internet.

I never intended to insinuate those were the ONLY options. My point is that to assume Microsoft hasn't cared about the consumer to put forth an effort to explore backwards compatibility is awfully presumptuous. The fact that we have rumors of an attachment, or even a $100 XBLA player, seems to indicate that there was a decent chance that a few options were tossed around during development.

But #3 isn't a realistic option in today's market. They'd rather just tell you to buy a 360 than put any R&D into an attachment or the retail space for something they're not going to actively support anyway.

I didn't mean it was an option for consumers, I meant it was an option MS could've considered (and apparently did) for offering backwards compatibility of some sort.


The idea of the Mini was that it could put the Xbox into another room of the house. Instead of having, say, an Xbox One on main TV in the house, and an Apple TV or Roku box in the bedroom, MS could offer a comparable device that hooks up with the Xbone for "whole house Xbox" of a sort. In that usage scenario, backwards compatibility was just icing on the cake.

Oh, MS definitely considered backwards compatibility. I already linked to leaked documents where they were considering baking hardware compatibility right into the console. So it was definitely considered. However, they've ultimately offered zero forms of backwards compatibility so far, which is what matters most to the consumer. They decided backwards compatibility wasn't worth the effort from a business perspective, and have said so:
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/05/...-gaming-cloud/
The 5% quote is interesting, since I'm wondering where that number comes from. Is it from their data on people playing Xbox games on the 360, where only 5% of older games worked anyway? Or is it a general console survey, including numbers for, say, PS1 and PS2 titles on PS3? Does it include handheld consoles? Is that current numbers, numbers when the new console just came out, or an average over the lifespan of a console?

I dunno, I still think an Appletv size 360 just for playing XBLA games would be an enticing proposition.

What's to understand? Both put forth an effort last gen. MS with software emulation and Sony with hardware (and eventually software) emulation. Sony openly mocked MS for not having BC 7 years ago. This time out it's MS mocking the consumer over BC.

It's safe to say they don't give a shit this time out and that's why it bugs me.

That's what I've wondered. Where does that figure come from? Last time people didn't have hundreds of dollars invested into digital gaming and DLC. Also, I recall Halo 2 being one of the top Live games on 360 until Halo 3 came out.

Like Pachter, he's talking out his ass. There is no relevant data from 8 years ago that would be comparable to today.

Let's not get crazy here.

I mean, what matters most to the consumer in terms of backwards compatibility, not that backwards compatibility is the most important feature.

For consumers, with varying levels of interest in backwards compatibility, what matters most is what options are available, not what options MS considered.

Doesn't everyone already have this "XBLA machine" - it's called an Xbox 360. And you can get one for pretty cheap these days.

I think so too; I liked the rumor of a device that could be both an addon and a standalone device the most.


I simply don't equate not coming out with some sort of method as not giving a shit. I imagine both companies worked to see if those previous methods would be cost effective, and decided otherwise. I see why you and others are angry and as an owner of a bunch of XBLA games i'm bummed they probably won't be usable, but knowing the amount of time that would be necessary to keep doing backwards compatibility, i don't blame them. I'm just saying that it's not as simple as saying "Apple does it!"

Well, fuck me.

No excuse for xbox. Drop Kinect. Problem solved.

This. I still have all my old consoles. If I want to play an old game I just hook up that console. I haven't lost any compatibility. This BC argument is a first world problem that really isn't a problem at all.

/end argument!
I've been saying this for years but people don't seem to get it. Umm, play your old shit on your old console. The end. Pretty sure my PS2 didn't explode when I brought home a PS3 and could still play old games (not that I ever did).

Facts:

1) hardware lasts forever and never breaks down
2) production never ceases on any old console so supply is never an issue
3) fact #2 is irrelevant because #1

Glad everyone has it all figured out!

But ps2 didn't have hundreds of digital games for download. When my 360 breaks down in say ten years and i need to re-download my games will I still have access to my paid games?

There's always emulation. Oh wait, I mean there's always 4k remakes to rebuy.

4) Server support for old consoles remains in place in perpetuity
5) Everyone has unlimited space in their entertainment centers to connect an increasing number of devices

How many video games did people never get to play again when they switched from NES to SNES to GameCube? Did they survive? Are Genesis games working on the Dreamcasts? I just put Tie Fighter in my PC but it won't even install?!?

If only there were some precedent for this in video game history.

Look, for people who don't care about BC, this obviously isn't an issue for you. But it is a legitimate gripe for many of us. And when execs at Microsoft make comments that belittle people who give a crap, it doesn't really want to make me drop hundreds of dollars on their new system.

I don't see it as a valid gripe, as your Xbox 360 will still work. And probably for years to come. The Ps2 went on strong long after the ps3 came along.

The Xbox One is a new system with a new architecture. You would have to pay more for it to keep playing old games on it. I think people are used to buying mp3s and having them work on any device and expect games to do the same.

6.) Power bricks, power bricks, power bricks (can't have enough of those!)
7.) multiple consoles = multiple controllers, headsets, accessories, etc. lying around.

i.e. it's not just a console on a shelf that remains, but everything that goes with it

Again, this is not true. Drop the Kinect as part of every bundle and the price remains the same.