RUMOR: Next Xbox to be "Forward-Compatible"

Xbox Evolved has uncovered some interesting information that could change the way videogames are made on the Xbox 360 as early as next year.

[My Flopshake brings]

This means all your future flops are guaranteed to run on it

[eric100]

I wonder whether there will be a new xbox

I think LBP has finished x360 and for MS console war might be over

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Yeah it's to bad sales say otherwise, sorry to stomp on those pixie dust dreams with the truth droids.

[Pain]

told yea.

So just like Gears 1 was ported to XBOX 2 for a Higher -rez so called next-gen Game, all XBOX 2 games will now be made for or with XBOX 3 in mind.

and SONY making a PS4 more or less a Steroid induced PS3 is bad? How is it any different then how M$ did or is doing to Reset the field once again?..... how lame M$ and its followers are. sad...

[blackbeld]

HOW STUPID!!!! OFCOURSE IT WILL BE FORWART COMPATIBLE... WHEN THE 720BOX COMES OUT THEY WILL AD IT WITH BLU-RAY SO OFCOURSE IT WILL PLAY 360 GAMES. SAME I CAN ASURE YOU 360BOTS THAT THE PS3 GAMES ARE NOW ALSO FORWARD COMPATIBLE WITH PS4!!! LOL

[PirateThom]

So, in other words, like a PC, your hardware reflects what resolution, texture quality etc are affect?

[rCrysis]

that's what it would seem like. =/

pretty interesting concept. but wouldn't that mean devs can't optimize the specs to the newest console??

[Blaze929]

I think he nailed it for all those confused by the article

[Kami]

if hwat the artiucle says is true. that crap is gonna rule!
but cant they do that just with a filmware update??
for ex. make the 360 play rginal xobx games with its hardware rather than using 1:1 emulation. you know what i mean?
same with ps3.
like a pc. emulators in pc(if you have agood pc) uses its hardware to make games look sharper,more frames and bigger resolution.

[ruibing]

Hold on a second. Backwards compatibility means newer systems can play games for older systems, so forward compatibility should mean older systems can play games for newer systems. This would be closer to how PC handles playing new games on older machines by reducing the graphics. Doesn't this bring up the same issues that PC games have with compatibility between old and new machines?

[Xi]

Unlike PC's there would only be a limited number of possible combinations.

While PC's have to deal with every make and model of card, and processor. The consoles would only need to worry about 2, the older and newer versions.

[JokesOnYou]

I see what you're saying Xi, yeah in concept I think its a very promising idea, similiar to what we already see with PC's, however no PC or console hardware is "future proof", this would simply extend the next gen life cycle of the next xbox platform to ensure its specs could handle future higher spec games for a longer period, maybe 10 or more yrs of actual playing progressively higher & even higher spec games before you would need new hardware.

Edit: damm, my bad this response was meant for your #6.1 post

Well the term "future proof" is subjective since obviously nobody's implying "forever" so I guess this idea of future proofing a console could work but I still believe the word is overused, at any rate as fast as PC's and tech changes, I really don't see any hardware being revelant for too long.

JOY

[Bnet343]

Hmm ... it's a rumor. I bet it's 100% bullsh*t. Especially of this.

[IaMs12]

so basicly it is like the PC, the better the Hardware the better the graphics... so say if this worked on Max Payne 1 game, and i played it on the new xbox it would say have graphics like Gears? thats just an example making sure i get the idea.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

@Xi

I don't think this (upgrading hardware) is MS exact intention, but this is exactly the same I have thinked. And if for a side it could be good as having not to buy a total new console or it could give PC gaming a hand while combating piracy, I still unconfortable with some ideas that come to mind:

#1 MS alone controlling what you can use as hardware and software in this baby. Have you seen 360's HDD price? Now imagine a change in something like Memory or a major party as a CPU. What about software prices? If they choose to charge you for things like a browser?

#2 The software side of this, to be a console, only made by MS or made in the system regulated by MS. This is not anormal to a console. But for a PC-like machine? I don't know if I want to be stuck with internet explorer and outlook in this thing. They do really suck. At the sametime, MS is pretty experienced to make software, if they make the right effort and are in the right mood, maybe we got look.

#3 MS showed us they aren't the most reliable hardware projector around. They should just handle it or take their time right, not rushing it. And I really don't know if I want a upgradable machine with less option in parts, specially if MS is the only one making it (again, price and quality come to mind).

#4 Another feet in the monopoly direction?

That said, not necessarily the bad outweights the good. I would be interested to hear more, but I'm also not holding my breath.

[AAACE5]

I wondered how long it would take before console developers tried to go in this direction! And don't think it's just one company that would do this, because all of them would eventually do it at some point.

[Mozilla89]

Your mom's forward compatible. Sorry thats the first thing I though when I got done reading and I couldn't help it. haha

[jwatt]

I think anything we hear about the next gen consoles is all rumors. Wouldn't it make sense to be tight liped about this stuff now Sony can put this same feature into the ps4.

[TheDude2dot0]

This is stupid. Why don't they just release two different discs like the PS2 and PS3?

I don't see the point in this. Probably just to get people to buy teh 360.

[thewhoopimen]

This idea of forward compatibility is an interesting concept but I think flawed as well. This is suggesting that future games made for the xbox 720 should run on the 360.... right? But why would MS want to do that? Wouldn't this delay the hardware transitions that they want people to do? Plus it also means 2 things.

1) The next xbox will not have a blu-ray drive. 360's can't read bluray discs right, so it can't be used.

2) This will demand downloading for the 360/720 or multiple disks or both. I'm assuming MS wants to go downloads b/c 720 games will otherwise take up even more space than 360 games. Also, a 360 version of the same game means added redundancy. 720 games will need to run smoothly, and probably output lower textures for 360.

Personally I don't like the idea of downloaded full version games and I'm sure the mass majority of you game owners would agree. Besides size/download issues (disk drive limitations/slow speeds) it would mean having content controlled and time dated by MS to expire would suck(ie 4th gen xbox coming out, plus no disc collection) Also, if they keep live paid gold subscriptions ... you don't pay... you don't play.

[Downtown boogey]

If this happens, I'll be bumped! Devs making games that look better than the quality the initial console can produce and then later on customers get graphical improvements and a backwards compatible game for free!

[DeadlyFire]

This concept doesn't mean you can play Xbox 4's games on the Xbox 3. It simple means that if you buy a X360 game in 2009 then in 2010 when the X720 comes out you can play the same game on the next Xbox and see some graphical updates with its new software. Just like what Sony has done with its games from PS2 and PSX. They both can see some improvements on the PS3 right? Very small though and dealing with higher AA mostly.

[Pika-pie]

Yep looks like MS are just going to replace PCs with Xboxs. Pritty soon their will be a Windows 360 and then Office 360.

[cherrypie]

"Have you seen 360's HDD price?"

Yes. $19.95 for 20GB.
http://www.xbox360fanboy.co...

Oh, have you seen the price for the PS3 HDMI cable(!)

$53 here at WM:
http://www.walmart.com/cata...

[masterg]

To me this sounds like the worst thing that could happen.

Think of it this way.

It would mean you would play games that was not ment for your system. Just like a bad port.

It would mean that the step from one generation to the next would be way way smaller than anything worth paying extra for.

Like if they made Little Big Planet for the PS2. This would not be possible. The console simple could not handle the fysics. It's not just the graphics. If LBP was developed for PS2 and PS3 the PS3 version would not be what it is today. That is simply impossible.
The same goes for all other games.

[drewdrakes]

masterg and everyone else, read the article. as one guy above put it. it means that the 720 will be able to IMPROVE 360 games graphics. not that youll be able to play 720 games on 360.

[Oner]

@ cherrypie

Did you know it's a REFURBISHED 360 HD! But what about this?

$150 for a 120gb HD ~ http://www.gamestop.com/Cat...

But yet you can get a 320gb (or bigger) for less on the PS3!

Oh btw have you seen this price for a PS3 HDMI cable?

$5.28 ~ http://www.monoprice.com/pr...

Either way grow up & take that crap to the OPEN ZONE -------->

[masterg]

@drewdrakes

Read my comment and article again.

It says developers would make games for the 720 (while it's still not out), but make them playable on the 360 as a lowres game.
It's not the other way around. Meaning the 720 would be limited by the 360.

"Imagine playing Gears of War 3 on your Xbox 360 it looks and plays good right? Well imagine that the year after it comes out you go out to buy the next Xbox and it looks even better, it plays even better."

[xhairs9]

Lol Oner, you just made my day by oning cherrypie. The funny part is he went to walmart and typed in PS3 HDMI and the only reason it came up was because it had the word PS3 in it, but what he fails to realize is that the PS3 is an open system. We're not forced to conform and buy specifically the Sony specially released products (hence why a $5 usb headset will work)...unlike some people who have to make up excuses to justify their actions.

[player911]

HDMI cables and headsets aren't the topic here.

On-Track: I can see this working. Just like games on a PC now. The graphics are high-res and designed for the cutting edge hardware (Xbox 720) but will work in older hardware simply by reducing some of the graphical settings.

That would work IF:
The Xbox 720 was on DVD discs.
The games could see what system you are on and scale automatically.

I personally think they mean that they will start to include higher graphics on current games... so we'll see a bigger benefit when we play them on the newer console. This would give people incentive to upgrade (play older game collection with high res graphics).

The ladder (playing 720 games on 360) would only hinder hardware sales as lots of people don't think graphics makes a game. So why would someone spend money to buy a console with better graphics when you can play the same games with a small loss in graphics?

[My Flopshake brings]

Such as;Failo 8,Tears of Snore 5,Viva Flopnata 4,and so forth and so forth

[Zerodin]

Those don't sound like they'll do as well as Halo 8, Gears of War 4, and Viva Pinata 4.

[BIoodmask]

you are spot-on with your assumption. That would be a pretty neat feature as all the old games would be a better...Smoother frame rates, sharper resolutions..etc.

[MiloGarret]

From a business perspective however, its completely retarded, unless they charge for the "upgrade" or hope to make a killing with additional DLC. Devs, publishers and MS make money by selling stuff, a customer who is happy with his old "improved" games is less likely to buy new games.

Though I'd love to see this feature in the nextbox, I seriously doubt that this is true, unless something is being left out.

[Lord Vader]

Actually, from a business perspective, that both alienates competition from your tech & sells more consoles:

This article however, refers to the hardware &/or software of the next machine having backwards AND forwards compatibility & rendering higher rezolutions & smoother framerates to older & newer titles... just like jacking up your pc with a better videocard, more ram & a better processor & running a game you love (either current gen OR last gen), at a higher rez with more power & fx @ higher fps than before...

As someone else said, unlike pc games as a whole, all 360's game code would be similar & easier to manage optimization within the same architecture of said code, & transfer the "upconversion" to your screen... & therefore big titles from this Gen, like say... Gears of War 2 or the "Next Next Gen" Gears of War 3... could theoretically look & run better & "cleaner" on the "Next Next Next" Box. For me, TRUE backward compatibility would be a definate blessing... additional processing would be most welcome, & forward compatability a bonus.

But this would come at the cost of "upgrading" your box every year or two as the tech expands (via hardware)... just like a serious pc rig... or you could leave it as is... whatever your wallet can afford... but gaming would ratchet forward on yearly basis & not a console generation basis...

If true, no more waiting for the "next" console... you can upgrade as often as the hardware/software upgrades are made available, & the games you already have will look even better. And if software updates are part of the package, most likely they would be FREE.

[Capt CHAOS]

But a customer who knows that the old game will run very well on his new hardware is also more likely to buy some of those old games..

[xhairs9]

I call it, "XBOX Mojave". www.mojavexperiment.com See why we had to create a website and publish a project about why it actually is a good thing and people are just making stuff up. See how much of our money we threw away on this...and then...then you may view real testimonials.

[cp68]

i personally would have never imagined it possible to render your games better in another system...i believe this article is legit. let's wait and see, microsoft might really bring something huge soon.

[INehalemEXI]

The PS3 already makes ps2/ps1 games smoother, better AA. This looks like its going further though and would be an added insentive for 360 owners to upgrade to the next system at launch.

When I read the title I was expecting they where going to build the hardware to have a memory expansion or something. Like Genesis or N64.

Edit: Hit the PS button while playing a ps2 game on PS3 and you will have the option to use smoothing. Why would i lie?

[Max Power]

PS2 also did it with the old PS1 games, i remember playing a ps1 game on a ps2 and it was better, more clearer.

[INehalemEXI]

Yup, I thought ps2 did it too but could not recall thanks man.

[thewhoopimen]

What world are you from that you don't know higher end systems can render the same game better. Haven't you played games on an older PC and then installed it on a newer one and done comparisons? This idea of forward compatibility isn't a sell. Its old PC tech with "magical" marketing on top.

[silverchode]

interesting

[big shadow]

very

[soljah]

if this story is true, what they are really saying is the end of the 360 confirmed it is only a matter of time.

[bouncybullet]

I love how you turn anything anyone says into "the end of 360."

"I love ice cream."
(the end of 360.)

[Xi]

the ps3 is going to die... it's only a matter of time. I'm going to die... it's only a matter of time.

See, it works on all levels.

[My Flopshake brings]

Since it wont come with a hard disk as standard,I wonder how much they'll charge for a 50GB Hard disk-A Thousand dollars perhaps?

[Isaac]

For casual gamers. The reason Nintendo didn't upgrade the Gamecube is because they needed a new image, which screwed hardcore gamers but was welcomed by casuals because it was seen as a new product, not the same with upgrades. Casuals are afraid of having to upgrade eventually and if that's the case then they'll opt out.

Edit:

Wait, that's not forward compatibility. That is still backwards compatibility only with more improvements to games. Guess what? PS3 and 360 already do that by upscaling games. It just happens that PS3 and 360 are both highly networked consoles and it would be possible to patch games in the next consoles in order to make them look better. Last gen games weren't as networked as todays.

My idea of Forward Compatibility is that your current gen console can play "next-gen" games, but that could only happen if games were streamed and processed elsewhere, meaning your console is basically just a dumb terminal streaming games to your TV. But that is way too far away to be a viable alternative for the next generation.

[Xi]

Instead of buying gears of war 4 for the 360, it'd just be gears of war 4, then if you ever decided to get the new console your old game would look like that of the generation leap, you'd never have to upgrade if you didn't want to. It's pretty much ensuring that the next console would be future proofed for games like the ps2 was, and it'd always ensure developers would have a market.

It's quite clever.

Almost, the major difference is that your library wouldn't need to change, so instead of returning game x for console x, you'd just keeps game x and use it on console y, and still get all the advantages.

[Isaac]

That would require very minor upgrades. That's not a good idea, and eventually forward compatibility would have to be lost unless the industry desires to go stale

[Ju]

Well, it didn't work for Crysis, though. They made a game which was so forward compatible that it doesn't run on current HW - or at least that is what people believe.

It could work, though. And it makes sense. But its the same as, your game needs to be prepared to use a HDD or not. Also, a DVD doesn't really help to hold even more information. And a different drive wouldn't work, because the game wouldn't work in the 360 any more.

But maybe its just for the developers. A target build could simply produce a version for 360 and next gen...means, two different versions on the shelf, but only one release for developers. Hm...

[Keele]

Future flops? Seeing as those games of today like LOLFAILO 3 are ranked higher than alot of ''QUALITY'' ps3 games I don't think that's going to happen.

What I see is legitimate reviewers giving 9-10s and Sony fanboys screaming ''OVEEERATEEED!!''.

[silverchode]

i sense a massive spam of the open zone coming.

[Bubble Buddy]

This is pretty interesting. If it happens, how would Sony and Nintendo respond?

[silverchode]

maybe it will be common for all 3 consoles. I doubt this will be in the xbox3,ps4,wii2 but on the xbox4, ps5,wii3.

[agentace]

ps2 & ps3 already did this they wouldnt need to respond

[dericb11]

So DVD games getting a upgrade? This is silly since the tech is outdated. I say just worry about making the games today work today. Its not good to keep making people feel bad one year after buying there systems. Arcade-->Premium-->Elite -->New System= I feel screwed :(

[Lord Vader]

Dvd9, like Bluray disc, is just an optical storage device... a medium that doesnt change the code it contains, it merely houses it... the medium does not matter, only the game code within, & how fast it streams from source...

[cherrypie]

Thank you to the first comment above. Clearly the OP doesnt know WTF he is talking about.

The only thing BR does is make your console wait longer for data. THAT is why some games have manditory installs, because to deal with the longer BR read times, MOST games simply store multiple copies of the same data at different locations on the disc to reduce read-waits; with some games, they choose to write to the HD (faster yet).

http://multiplayerblog.mtv....

[ICUP]

How about RROD?

will it be "Forward-Compatible" too?

[My Flopshake brings]

I strongly believe it will be it will be

[silverchode]

youll get points for each rrod, once you have enough you can unlock the mega rrod. :)

[Zerodin]

LOL! RROD hasn't been a problem for MONTHS!
Pull another oldie out of your hat!
Maybe "360 will NEVER see DMC4, OR FFXIII!"

[silverchode]

zerodin this is the fun zone dont take things seriously.

[Keele]

They're idiots. They come here for the sole purpose of bashing the console and failing at it. That alone tells us how stupid they are.

RROD, like jesus.. that's so.. 2005!

IT SEEMS SONY TROLLS HAVE YET TO EVOLVE.

[DavidMacDougall]

360 sucks

[silverchode]

does no one have a sense of humor :(

[ICUP]

WHY SO SERIOUS?

this is the OPEN ZONE, i guess people your too slow notice that

beside if my post are serious, it can't be compare to zerodin and his Asia racist comment.

I have 27 day to go in here. :)

@Keele

Who cares if its the open zone? Apparently it's fine when you Ps3 fans do it but if I were to do the same to the Ps3 can you imagine what would happen?

ITS FINE BECAUSE ITS TOWARDS THE 360, not because it's OPEN ZONE.

There there, i didn't mean to hurt your feeling, now run to your mom and cry your heart out to your mom. :)

[Keele]

Yeah? And your mom sucks my dong.

[Keele]

Who cares if its the open zone? Apparently it's fine when you Ps3 fans do it but if I were to do the same to the Ps3 can you imagine what would happen?

ITS FINE BECAUSE ITS TOWARDS THE 360, not because it's OPEN ZONE.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Don't forget Tekken, Soul Calibur, Star O, RE5, sloppy ports, sloppy seconds, forced installs, last gen GPU, lack of ram (like living with a soft one between your legs) poor sales, sh!t load of movies, last place, only 2 AAA's, delay everything, copy Microsoft (poorly) and all that for a super high price...:) Thanks for comming droids, enjoy the rest of your gameless day (year/life)

[bouncybullet]

Another console innovation by the Xbox.

Can't wait for everyone else to copy them.

[LoVeRSaMa]

Another?

Your funny matey =]

[Xi]

like the common consensus these days.

[silverchode]

who is to say that sony and nintendo arent thinking about doing the same thing?

[DJ]

That's been around for ages. PC developers have to do it because of the wide range of hardware specs.

[bouncybullet]

Thats why I said CONSOLE innovation.
But nobody here actually reads..

Hey loversama,
Hows that whole media downloads thing going for you?
You know, Demos, Movies, Tv shows, Trailers, Games, straight to the system.

Xbox did it first. (after apple TV)
Then PS3 magically started doing the same thing months later.

Could you imagine your lovely console without all that wonderful content at your fingertips..?

Nope.

Thanks Xbox.

[agentace]

its funny how the ps2 and ps3 already has this so M$ copyed sony, quit making sh!t up

[giovonni]

I welcome the thought. change is needed in the gaming arena.

[Jubo1]

If this turns out to be true it will be revolutionary, but it all depends on how much better they look.

[Meus Renaissance]

Developers have in the past expressed a concern with the limitations of using DVD in general for their games. Now, this article is suggesting that developers will be required to put even more data on these discs and games to make them, not only look and play great now, but look even BETTER in the future? Can someone explain that to me

[Xi]

The next xbox, as in not the current one. The one which we don't know the disc medium or space, also the only one with concerns about dvd are developers that aren't willing to pay to use a second or third disc. Hardly any concerns, but the more pressing concern is what does this have to do with space issues on the xbox to begin with?. Why have you got to be such a closet fanboy.

[silverchode]

just come out of the closet :) http://ecx.images-amazon.co...

[Ju]

Meus is pretty right, I think. To make a game work now and better on the next platform it needs to store all the information for the next platform, but scales it down on the current. This is additional storage. I am very curious to see, how they cramp even more information onto a DVD to make this work.

[cherrypie]

"using DVD in general for their games."

No, no they dont. DVD is simply a storage medium. The game developer doenst care *where* the data is stored, just that he can get it.

Do you think it is more or less trouble to A) master a game disc with mulitple copies of data in order to reduce read times, B) Create an "install system" or C) Use multiple discs?

http://multiplayerblog.mtv....

[Ju]

Install version doesn't help you when you sell a console without HDD. Multiple disks ? Welcome to the (next) future.

[ZombieNinjaPanda]

Whatt??

So you can play games that..aren't out yet..??

Can someone please explain, I'm confused.

Edit:

Alright I read the article, how would this work?

Taking a game that already looks good, and making it look better with newer hardware? How can that work?

[MiloGarret]

FFS, first you comment without reading the article, then you comment having read the article but understood nothing. Re-read the last part. It would work kinda like a pc... Better hardware: better resolutions, textures, fps, etc.

[agentace]

PC:if you have better hardware its gunna look better, simple as

just look at mercs 2, its on ps2 and ps3 and it looks better on ps3 because on better hardware....and if you play the ps2 version on the ps3 its still looks better, its just better hardware

This is NOTHING NEW the PCs been doing it like as soon games were on PC and the PS2 did it with PS1 games and the PS3 does it with PS2 games

[ReBurn]

So is Microsoft planning on having the next Xbox play current generation titles? I figured with them giving up on BC for the previous Xbox that inter-generational compatibility was over.

[Xi]

But because microsoft helped co-develop the r600 with AMD/ATI it's very likely they'll be using the same chipset in their next system so emmulation will be done on board instead of through software.

[Ju]

And the lesser (??) significant change is the cpu from a i86 single core little endian machine to a 3 core big endian powerpc core with a totally new ISA? Hm, just a minor difference, I guess.

Next gens won't have any "emulation". They need to stick with the current CPUs. There is no way around it. Its simply too expensive to develop another console CPU, for anybody.

MS has the advantage of their DirectX API. This scales pretty well, and resolves the graphics chip HW dependency pretty much. I guess HW banging needs to addressed to some extend, but certainly not in the size of previous generations.

To make this simple, next gens would simply run current gens like next gen PCs run current PC SW.

[My Flopshake brings]

I wonder if the next xbox will be able to outdo this percentage

[silverchode]

100% failure rate :)

zerodin = :=|

[Zerodin]

Might I have a link, flopshake?
It's the proof equivalent of Tits or GTFO, since your 4chan brain will handle that analogy.

[ICUP]

Zerodin asking for proof in the OPEN ZONE, i guess he is stupider than i thought.

POOR CHILD U MUST BE HOME SCHOOL.

[Bathyj]

Well I would like a better frame rate and draw distance on Gears. Its a shame you need a new machine to do it though.

This sounds like what Crytek did with Crysis. They made to game to tough for todays PC's to run properly on the highest settings deliberately so that in a couple of years when todays top PC is only mid range, the top PC for that day will run Crysis even better. The game will literally improve with age like wine, instead of getting dated.

Actually its not the same at all because Crysis has all that already in software, where as any improvement in 360 games down the track will be hardware accelerated. So there you go. I just disagreed with myself.

[Ju]

But the crytek guys also mentioned it didn't work out the way they had envisioned. Simply because people like to buy new stuff, not 3 year old games. And if you look at the sales curve, it spikes in the first couple of weeks, and drops of very quickly after.

[cherrypie]

"Well I would like a better frame rate and draw distance on Gears. Its a shame you need a new machine to do it though."

There is nothing wrong with Gears frame-rate and draw-distance **RIGHT NOW**. Nor will there be anything wrong with them in Gears of War 2.

Stop talking FUD, or take it to the openzone.

[FantasyStar]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I'm getting from the article. All this means that 360 games will work better on the 3rd Gen Xbox: better frames, draw-distance, and better display. Ok then....Nothing really mind blowing here. Just like adding acrylic coating to existing paint. Now if certain 3rd gen Xbox games can play on the 360, that's what I call forward-compatibility! I think Microsoft is wasting its time with this "extra eye-candy", but that's me.

I probably won't enter the "next-gen" until a year or two later because this is getting ridiculous for me as a gamer to pretty much have to upgrade every 4-6 years. If all I had to do was replace my console box, I wouldn't feel so bad. Ya dig? But every gen, I have to rebuy all of my controllers, accessories, cables, and other things that are not cost-effective.

[Arkham]

More fansturbation. I call again, for the flurundreth time, to set up a blog channel/subsection for stuff like this. If you can have "Rumours", you can have "Opinions".

[Rob0g0rilla]

Pretty interesting stuff. I hope the next Xbox is capable of surpassing Crysis' graphics.

Could anyone explain how this would work though?

Edit:

Thanks XI, bubbles for you.

[Xi]

A developer would make game X. This game would have 2 settings one for current gen consoles and one for next generation consoles. Similar to how pc's work, depending on the specs for your PC you'd choose your settings/resolution/etc, if you upgrade your pc you can still play the same games and just change the setting to make it look better. When/if you decided to buy a next generation console the game would benefit from all the extra features of the next generation console. And conversly, if you had an older model all the games they would be making would also work on your current console even if the games are designed for the future generation console.

For example, if you had the next generation xbox, and they developed the following generation console you would never have to buy it unless you wanted better graphics, and if you did buy it your current entire library would look and play better on the new console.

[ZombieNinjaPanda]

Oh alright, so basically, if you bought one game that were designed for the 360 graphics, but said game could be upgraded to look better, that's what the new xbox would do?

So it's like having your max specs on what computer, and if you take a game to another computer, and it has higher specs, it will look better?

[Grassroots]

Ok, I get where they are going. This would make sense for any console, and I'm glad if this is true because it's always nice to play old games with fresher graphics, makes it a better experience after not playing it for a while.

[The Lazy One]

Pretty much what they'd be doing is competing with themselves. If I can play every xbox 720 game on my xbox 360, why should I buy a 720? It won't look as good, but for someone with a budget, that's a reasonable switch.

More likely than anything what they're talking about is just being able to upscale xbox 360 games for a while. I sincerely doubt that microsoft would do well making games that don't take full advantage of their new hardware.

[Xi]

there wouldn't be stopping devs from doing that, they'd only need to have a setting for the previous xbox like most pc's have a lower settings for older computers.

[The Lazy One]

That's just not possible. Something in the game would be gimped because of it. Either physics or AI. Graphics is easy to turn down, but if you want to really take advantage of new hardware (unless it's just a supped up version of old hardware) you can't make it forward compatible.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

My vision of a "forward compatible console" is that it should be a PC-like MS branded machine. It's as custom as PC (maybe except for mobo), but you'll have to use proprietary tech to upgrade probably (even it been a PC in the inside), most likely the upgrade will be bound to one or two major parts, like, trade the CPU/Memory unit or GPU/Video Output unit.

So, you'll have a PC machine, that is way more limited than a PC machine, works as one, costs probably more than one (judging by 360's HDD)... At first it don't look good to me.

But, in a second look, it could be good to PC gaming. In a matter of fact, no one wold call it a PC, it just wouldn't sell as a MS Gaming PC the much is could sell as MS's new console that is that inovative (not really). But still, if by some miracle this "Desguised-PC-Gaming& quot ; replace the actual PC Gaming, devs would have a new home and MAYBE they could try and combat piracy in a worth way (because both Windows - as all PC OS - and Xbox failed, but maybe a more hardware/software controlled and use guided PC could - it should not, for example, run any browser aside from the built in the OS, or run any third party application that is not a game os specific made software).

It could be a reset for PC, but still I don't know if I like anyone with that much control over my PC... Spcially (monopoly) the (monopoly) Micro(monopoly)Soft.

I would be interested in hear more. But not holding my breath.

EDIT: I do know this is not the actual MS purpose but this is the only way I see of an actual console being compatible with the next gen games 'till this next gen is finished withot having to hold quality of those future games, because, like it or not, you need a newer hardware, msot of us here looks like to use consoles so this need of a new hardware come less often, but it eventually comes anyway.

[SkyGamer]

So in short you will be able to play XboxNext games on the X360 hardware with just dumbed down visuals and maybe lack of Exclusive content. It is much like a pc but only 2 options instead of a bunch. True they will need to up the ante of the optical disc or maybe sell games bundled part on disc and part on USB3.0 thumbdrive. Have the most important used game files on the usb3.0 thumb drive and have the disc for cgi and other stuff. This will be cool as more people will be able to enjoy the game. You are getting an option to play the game at least, maybe not the highest quality but do have the option. Devs will certainly love that as they can include sales of the cheaper X360 and the NextBox as a userbase. Couple that along with pc and you will have quite a large userbase. By then the X360 will be about 100-150 bucks. Good plan.

Re: Playing a game with low computer specs compared to playing a game with high computer specs is like night and day. It really enhances the game. Like Iron Man the game. You could play it on the ps2 just to play it or you can play it on the ps3 which really enhances the gameplay. Of course the difference between this rumour is that you only need one disc to play in X360 and/or NextBox. Reminds me of the Burger King games that played on the orignal Xbox but then you could pluck it into your X360 with enhanced graphics and achievements.

[sniper4534]

wow how stupid people can be ask ur self if ur one of then is unbelievable people fighting for something that no body knows nothing about lol hahaha in this tread u can see the difference in fanboys lol 90% ps3 trolls 10% xbuts lol for the moment the xbuts are getting own by the trolls jaja this website actually makes me laugh is like comedy central channel lol

[Qbanboi]

Lol, silly Xbox Evolved if they think that Gears of War 3 is going to appear in the 360.

[Bon Scott]

Ps3 is still too expensive,will always get the weaker multiplat games,
and still has a long way to go to rival 360 game line up.
so how do you like those apples Sony troll limp noodles.

[jkashuba07]

I think Microsoft is going to eventually bring all xbox titles digitally like they are now, eventually get all xbox 360 titles done, (in time for the third xbox) and it will be optional how to get your xbox 720 titles, digital download or media ( I would guess something like sdhc) I think Optical media is going to die soon. And personally thats how I would make the system. have it have a media card reader, USB ports, dual gigabit, and built in wireless lan, and a removable hard drive or support for external ones.

Blu-ray drive wouldn't make sense because they won't last long either, digital download is becoming more and more popular, along with media cards like SDHC (mini, micro) so I believe Optical Media will disappear soon.

[Radiodread]

harsh but funny. Anyway if this is true that would be so awesome! Bioshock that plays EVEN BETTER. OH MEH GAD!

[gdguide]

Not a chance. There's no way devs are going to add features that aren't going to be used for years. Not only do they want you to buy the next version instead and actually MAKE money, they actually don't have time to do this. Not even a remote chance. I can see framerate being better and resolution, but that's it.

[Citizen Cook]

Wish i had the third Xbox now though, i feel ready for another leap in graphics...

I'm tired with this generation already...

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

LOL and the poor droids have to suffer from even worse games and Xbox hand me downs/sloppy seconds for the next 8 years. We will have gone to photo realism, while they still play games that can't match the 360 now.

[Ju]

I am not sure if that's wise from a business standpoint. Maybe for a consumer. But imagine, people would not buy new games when the new console comes out, but will simply buy the HW and play their existing games. Now, a new console usually costs money and it is cross financed thru license fees, means game sales. Sale could dip, means less fees, even more expensive HW. OTHO, current users wouldn't need to upgrade, because the current machine plays next gen games, as well. Less pressure to buy new HW. Also, SW developers might feel the heat, because the need to buy a new game is low. You could simply buy existing games or stick with what you have. This is how the whole console business model worked in the past. With such a step, it becomes PC business. Something which MS can do best. But I doubt it will be successful in the gaming market.

On a side note, I expect the exact same thing happening with the PS4 vs. PS3...

[Snukadaman_]

If its backwards compatible I can see the reasoning in that...but forward compatible makes the newer machine sort of weaker imo.

[Snukadaman_]

Then you are allready making the next xbox seem obsolete...whats the use?

[qwertyuiopasdfghjkl]

Ahem, to whom it may concern, I am aggressively penning this comment in regards to the the multitude of comments above mine. It seems many of you like to glance at the article heading and start writing a witty quip that makes no sense what so ever.

A. The article is a rumor.

B. The article should be relabeled "*NextBox* Backwards Compatibility Rumor"

C. If this were true... it would mean the Xbox 720 hardware design will not be that big of a leap. The 720 would have a very similar architecture to the 360, just minor improvements for processing and rendering.

D. If this were true... it would be developed on a game to game basis. An update or something would have to be released for each game.

E. If this were true... the results for each game would vary. Like I said in point D, it would all depend on how the original game was built, and how much effort the developer will put into the 720 supped-up version.

F. Many of you think this would enable you to play Xbox 720 games on your Xbox 360. I understand the logic in this, but Microsoft would never allow this. Technically possible, but really dumb.

Final thoughts, this is a great idea for some. But I like to think realistically about things. When a game is designed to take full advantage of a consoles hardware using various techniques to help compress the game's visuals to overall inflate how much they can achieve, there isn't much you can do later on to improve the visual quality. (Aside from simple upscaling techniques of course)

This article is making it seem like the 720 will be able to re-render each game, changing graphical properties on the fly to better suit the overall experience. Better Hardware doesn't mean you'll be getting better textures. Texture quality is a done deal people. Sure they could theoretically improve aliasing and picture resolution for old 360 games, but this will all be done on a game by game basis by the developers themselves.

[cherrypie]

" If this were true... it would mean the Xbox 720 hardware design will not be that big of a leap. The 720 would have a very similar architecture to the 360, just minor improvements for processing and rendering"

Totally ridiculous presumption. There is no reason at all that would be the case. The Xbox 720 could emulate the Xbox 360 game on completely changed hardware -- AND -- still improve the title's AA (for instance).

The Xbox 720's Xbox 360 DirectX SDK could be improved to take advantage of the 720, without requiring *any* changes by the 360 devs (today) or by the game itself.

That is one of the advantages of the powerful development environment that MS gives Xbox 360 devs, things like volumetric lighting and such are done in the DX API; they could also be improved without the game being changed at all. Nor would the current games need to be "xbox 720-ized".

Of course, my scenario is just a guess, but your guess is 100% wrong.

[JewyMcJew]

So basically Microsoft is going to require all future xbox console titles also play (at lower quality) on the 360...

...well, I guess that means at minimum the general API will be the same, giving developers a break in learning a new system

[cherrypie]

Interesting thought. Think about this in light of the "Xbox 360 emedded" talk.

The rumour is that MS is going to sell an "Xbox 360 embedded" hardware design, this will go into TVs (and other devices). A good deal of that would be for the purpose of Windows Media Center -- at a bare minimum, there are tens of millions of households and devices where an "Xbox 360 embedded" could be used/needed for Marketplace, Causal Games, Messenger, NetFlix, Windows Media Center Extender etc.

Now, if they do this, you're going to see an explosion in the Xbox 360 install base -- all potential AAA Title customers.

MS is changing the console industry from a hardware-centric one, to a software-centric one. Remeber, "Xbox" as a name comes from "Direct X Box".

When MS says "its all about software", this is what they mean. MS is changing the way the industry works. Nintendo has the power of its brand/nostalgia/waggle, Sony is the one with the most to loose.

They **NEED** BR movies to sell. If MS *does* sell "Xbox 360 embedded" into TVs, they are going to drop a nuke on the BR business model -- because there is going to be so much innovation around this new "open, internet connected sales channel" for Direct Download.

Netflix on NXE is a sign of this.

[Ju]

Great. Then we'll have another MS dominated market. No thank you. And the console market becomes a MS controlled PC market and MS dominated household. I like the console market as it is. With the long term perspective to just keep a console for a couple of years without the need to upgrade any other year. MS has its PC market. Get that to work, dam..

[jfrdricks7931]

This is what they have in mind with the Wii HD.

[PS360PCROCKS]

So develop the game with the 360 AND the next system in mind and when that system is released the newest system can take advantage of the various settings within the game that are set for both systems? Maybe I am slightly confused because I would think that it would be the same as how the systems already kinda make older games look better.

[chavafx]

LAME ARSE EXCUSES FOR SONY FANBOYS. First, I am so sick and tired of all these lame- undocumented and un-educated comments by Sony Fan boys. You can take your expensive, overpriced George Forman grill and shove it up your arrogant gamer buttholes. You guys sound like the same idiots at Sony who thought they controlled the gaming market. But like any industry, its not just Tech that sells products. It is marketing, software, products, services and innovation at a reduced price to the consumer. They have lost billions on PS 3, had to sell of stock, borrow money and desperatly try to justify a $600 ( 400) machine to the consumer. No matter how many times sony offers a lame bundles, multiple SKu's or the occasional good game MS will always be cheaper and better. Oh wait, your going to start complaining about RROD. Well, they fixed that, supported it with a billion dollar repair program and if any of you have ever tried to get anything from Sony you will appreciate MS customer service hotline.
Well, sony has better specs and it does this and that and this and Blah blah blah. Who cares. I want to play games and hang out with friends online. Not spend 147 hours in a room by myself talking about specs and quality.
I love how people are bagging Fable 2 when the reality is that game on Xbox 1 sold more copies than any game on PS 3 except MGS 4. Almost every single Multi-platform game has 360 exclusive content. While you F*GS are sitting around talking about home MS is going to launch NXE in November making Home irrelevant. And do not talk about how MS just copies everyone else. Should I mention Synaxis, XMB updates, trophies or a premium paid online service.
Oh wait, but now were going to talk about how everything ends up on PC. Crap, That industry is dying. Why? Piracy, modds, and the expensive cost of subscriptions and equipment upgrades. All that will be left is large MMO's. Fable 2- NO PC version. Gears 2- No PC version. Also, I do not know why everyone Bags on GOW. This is a game that is 2 years old yet has remained in XBL top 5 for just as long. It sold 5 times as many copies as RFOM.
And now to top it all off, two hardcore supporters of PS are jumping ship. Square enix games and Tekken 6 now on 360. Yeahm White knight and Fable 2 are different types of games also. Fable 2 campaighn is about 15 hours whil Peter M has said the total game and exploration and side quests is 6 times that. 15 hours X 6= over a 100 hours. Not to mention further DLC later. Also, anyone who Says GOW 2 will not sell systems is just a complete F***ING Moron!!!! With prices wars in the UK, sales doubling and GOW 2 shaping up to be a powerhouse sequel it will sell systems. Also, XBL now at 14 million users. So for all you whiners that say XBL should be free- Just turn on your PS 3 to see how cool that is. Net flix is going to be great. The only Game since its launch that even looks worth the MOney is KIll zone 2 and MGS 4. Everything else is Garbage

[robotnik]

MY EYES, THEY BLEED

[chavafx]

yes all of those games that you mention up there sold way better on 360 cod4 gta4 and every ather game madden soulcalivur and every other game so whats sistem is the real flop of course flopstation tird--
heavenly flop
lair =flop
virtua fhigter 5 =flop
unreal turnament=flop
Motorstorm 7.5 meta=flop
haze=flop
full auto 2=flop
time crisis4=flop
Clive Barker's Jericho=flop
Resistance: Fall of Man only 8.2 meta=flop
Folklore =flop
and the list goes on and on on on on on and on
plus every multy game sells and plays better on xbox360 ala gta4 assasins madden civ4 cod4 so whats the true flop console ofcourse flopstation third

ooo and thats even when x360s are dying can you imagine if it had no rrodyes totall rape to psthird even with the name is selling like a game cube or even worst prepare youre selfs to get rape in xmas by a game begger then any sony game gears of war 2 + price drop x360 199+the new xbox experience = psthird where you wait beyond for flops ofcoure

[snoopgg]

I own a two 360's and a ps3, but your list isn't just limited to the ps3. The 360 in all fairness has had alot more flops then the ps3. Here you go

1 Hour of Duty
2 Vampire Rain
3 Alone in the dark
4 Too Human
5 Jericho also on 360
6 The Outfit
7 Too Worlds
8 Full Auto
9 turning point
10 Call of jaurez
11 bulletwitch
12 Tenchu Z
13 Perfect Dark
14 chrome hounds
15 Shadowrun
16 Blacksite
17 soldier of fortune
18 americas army
There are so many more, but hell thats enough I've proven my point. There are plenty of flops on the 360 as well.

[Shane Kim]

You forgot, blue dragon, LO and infinate floppery.

[whatis]

It kind of sounds like they've found a middle ground.

They're not going to produce games for both the Xbox 720 and the Xbox 360 at the same time, but they're also not stopping support for the Xbox 360 altogether. Instead they're going to release Xbox 720 games exclusively that will still work on a Xbox 360 as well, but look/run worse.

I'm skeptical that it can be done but if they can 100% guarantee that the Xbox 360 won't hold the the next generation consoles' games back in any way whatsoever, then I'm all for it I suppose.

This probably means that we will see the Xbox 720 a lot sooner than we were expecting though, and likely future systems after that too. I am against this personally, as I already struggle to keep me PC up to date as it is and I am comfortable with the consoles current rate of progress.

It is an interesting idea anyway and I would like to know what game developers think of it.

[Darkseider]

This idea is bad on so many levels of bad it ain't even funny. The Xbox at it's core is no more than an inexpensive x86 based PC. Now Microsoft in their infinite wisdom wants to apply PC game making methods to console games with "Forward Compatibility". I can only see very bad things happening with this.

For one development time will be increased for software. Second they would have to create the game for the least common denominator and then work up from there. Which means tons of regression testing. The problems won't rear their ugly heads immediately with the first iteration of this idea. But when the third iteration of this brain storm hits the market and they are programming for 3 consoles is when the sh*t is gonna hit the fan.

Console games and console gaming should remain just that. For it to evolve into "entry level" PC gaming which is what this would do would simply destroy the console market. This just shows that MS knows nothing of console gaming. Microsoft needs to stop trying to twist the console market into a PC gaming clone. If they can't operate within the defined parameters of console gaming and succeed they want to twist into something it shouldn't be.

This goes to show the true nature of Microsoft as a company and their "Three E" mantra. Embrace, Extend, Extinguish. They do it on a daily basis with other technologies, open standards and companies. Now it looks as if they want to do the same to the console market. Nothing good can come of this, mark my words.

[HairyBrownSack]

"Forward-compatibility means that games made for the Xbox 360 are made even better thanks to the features and hardware of the next Xbox system. This isn’t a side effect of textures being cleaner and upscaled resolution, this is a new animal completely. Imagine playing Gears of War 3 on your Xbox 360 it looks and plays good right? Well imagine that the year after it comes out you go out to buy the next Xbox and it looks even better, it plays even better."

---loool POOOOOOOOOOOOR DROIDS!!!! EAT SHT1!!!!!!!

[solideagle1]

will be pain in th a** for consumers. some will have 4 gb ram some will 2 gb its rediculous hahaha i think consoles should be as it is as now like ps3 and 360. i think wii needs forward compatibilty.
thanx

[Jdoki]

I kinda like this idea. It possibly has some pitfalls though.

For example if you take what has been said recently some developers have commented that PC graphics are topping out. If we assume that in one or two generations of console then graphics will also top out then devs will start (as they already are) using the processing power for other things... Physics, AI and so on.

To make the Xbox 3 forward compatible with the Xbox 4 software could create a problem. If an Xbox 4 game relies on AI or physics as a fundamental part of the game play, then how would this be 'dumbed down' for the Xbox 3's processing capability and still present the same experience, and not require extra developer time/money to address? We have to assume that future consoles will have faster CPU's and more RAM than the generation before.

If you look at the PC gaming market the difference between a top end machine running a game and the bottom end is just graphic quality - textures, resolution, particle effects. In my opinion this gimps PC's from ever reaching their true potential (for the reasons stated above - AI etc), as devs always have to develop for the lowest common demoninator).

I would hate to see Xbox 4 games being gimped somewhat so that they run on Xbox 3 hardware - but in principle it's a fairly good idea - especially for those looking at a longer term upgrade path.

[DevastationEve]

Nice.

But the arguments against its logic could be as follows:

*video game systems are built closed architecture. and that's just not changing any time soon. but there is always a possibility.

*games written during during a particular gen have been warranted and licensed to work on whatever system it was built for. developers will need to work more to honor those guarantees.

*usually the inside of the front cover of a game's manual says "Licensed for use ONLY on x console" this will need to change.

*game scaling will be something that the developer will need to keep in mind when scripting their story (for instance, fewer Zombies for what was supposed to be an "invasion").

[Madlink]

If this story was simply saying that the Next Xbox would play Xbox 360 games and in addition to the features that are employed in backwards compatability today; such as better anti aliasing and upscaling resolution, that it would introduce features exclusive to the Next Xbox ie Control mechanism, improved performance, integrated system features, then that would be really cool.

However, if it is the case that there is only one disc for a game, and it works on both of the platforms, then that's ridiculous.

It's a system just perfect for breeding consumer confusion, and publishers would never go for it, since they'd lose the opportunity to release two discs.
Development costs for Xbox 360 will have lowered substantially by the time the Next Xbox rolls around, and a publisher would much rather have another studio develop a 360 version of whatever title it is at a relatively low cost, release it at a much lower price point than the Xbox Next version, and get increased sales.

Also, there's no doubt in my mind that come the date of the Xbox Nexts launch, the DVD medium will have become a limitation on developers. Bluray read speeds will have improved so significantly that there would be no read speed differences between DVD and Bluray, so it would make sense to give developers more space to play around with. A one disc system basically forces the Xbox Next to use the DVD medium. (Unless Microsoft release a Bluray drive attatchment for the Xbox 360 that is.)

I'm all in favour of improved backwards compatabilty, but the idea of a one disc system spanning two platforms is stupid.

[Solid_Skip]

talking about the next xbox thats coming out, the 360 is doomed, Well no one is talking about the next wii or the ps4 that much for them its the games for the xbox its the next xbox. oh well

[DevastationEve]

These are plans made years in advance. They can have a goal and be working months to make those goals real. Who knows, maybe there will be a time when they're on hold for a deal to go through with some parts manufacturers. Then at least they're waiting NOW and not years from now when it's too late.

Plus, PS3 and wii are barely 2 years old! Of course nobody's talking about their successors too much. Although now it has been widely anticipated (and logically concluded) that PS4 will be an extension to PS3. Sony will keep their investment in CellBE, and nVidia will lend Sony its GPU expertise once again.

[Kwertie]

The only way you could make a console forward compatible is to make is over powerful right now and make the games on it only use half the power, that way the next console can be more powerful, but the previous Xbox can still play them. However that would make upgrading pointless. The other way is to make a system however powerful, and the Xbox after that the same power, but then we would have Wii syndrome where everything looks unimpressive.

[LFC1EE]

I'm a proud owner of the Ps3 but in all honesty i don't see us winning this generation because we have been far too complacent because of the sales of the ps1 and ps2.

Sony say there here to stay for ten years surely the Ps3 is going to be absolete by 2010 then if nintendo and ms are going ahead with there new consoles.

Ms have snatched alot of gamers from sony and nintendo with there price cut and to be honest if LBP dosen't save us which i think is fifty fifty then it's third place this generation for us.

[xbot08]

sorry to break it to ya.... but LBP wont. a lot of my friends haven't bought a wii because 1 person shouldnt pay for it and then have everyone else take it over. ps3 just doesnt havent good enough exclusives for us to even bother thinkin about putting out money for it. 360 on the other hand.... wow. "you didnt say you had a 360. unplug and come over by me now." or "im going to get you a second controller so i can play too." "hold on.... im getting one too." i use my 360 everyday and on most days im not even playing games on it. but then.... if i had a ps3.... what are good games? oh.... those are the ones you get on every other console. oh, right.

[peeps]

quite interesting but was left a bit confused at one of the examples trying to explain it:

think of playing crysis on medium setting then getting a better grahics card. - yes but the game is designed to be played on the highest settings but can be played on lower settings. if an xbox 360 game is designed to make full use of the 360's hardware i don't understand how more powerfull hardware will make the game look better since its already runnin on its highest settings if that makes sense

[Si-Pie]

Well ive read the article a few times now and read alot of the above comments however im at a loss at some of the conclusions some of you are coming to??? First thing is that this is a rumour and should be considered as one until we have some proof! Now Ive noticed some comments saying about the next xbox game (xbox 720 or whatever it will be called) will be playable on the 360. Ive found nothing in the article that says this however it does say "Forward-compatibility means that games made for the Xbox 360 are made even better thanks to the features and hardware of the next Xbox system. This isn’t a side effect of textures being cleaner and upscaled resolution, this is a new animal completely." So I have some games on my PC that I had around 3 years ago and on that PC I could only run them at medium settings for texture, AA etc and at a low resolution. However I can now play those same games on my new pc at a very high res with everying on ultra and yes this changes the textures etc. Games I buy now though for my new pc would not run on my PC I had 5 years ago. Also the article seems to indicate this will be implemented (if true) into games made very late on in the 360 life span as it mentions about playing for example gow 3 and a year later the next xbox comes out so the games visuals would be improved. This does not mean current and earlier 360 games but those in the future when they have nailed down the final specs of the next xbox. Just how I understand the article.

[El Padre]

It's just natural. Consoles are not "future-proof" by definition. You can build a cheap PC that will run circles around both X360 and PS3 right now. In two years console owners will ask for an upgrade and making the new generation backwards and forward-compatible is the only sensible solution.

[No Way]

I Call BS. But, eh, guess we'll find out soon enough..

[Taco Diablo]

What this is saying is that developers will be given a target spec of the next xbox machine so that they can create scalable code for their 360 games that would appear normal on a 360, then 'magically' better on the next xbox when it appears. If true, this should essentially be invisible to current xbox gamers, not a limitation - except when you consider that when the focus of the game's creators is past the current hardware capabilities, it would obviously have an effect on the end product - as well as developers crying out at lower ratings 'just wait until you see it on the next xbox - then you'll see!' Microsoft dabbled in this sort of thing when they put out Flight Simulator X, claiming it was designed for computer hardware that wouldn't be available for two years, but optimized to play today. That game looked okay, but ran at an awful framerate even on high end machines, and still doesn't look significantly better or run much smoother after two new generations of videocards and doubling the RAM from 2 to 4 gb. Really what all this means is that developers will be encouraged to lose focus on what and where their games are and should be right now, and effectively limits the next machine to more of a .5 upgrade than a next-gen effort. Hooray for forward-compatibility!
Oh and let's not forget about all those 'Vista Ready!' certified computers that were sold for Christmas before Vista was released... that worked out super too, didn't it?!

[chavafx]

most of the flops on xbox360 sold like 4x better then ps3 flops so check and see flop means debelopers saying wooo thise sitem sux cuz we sell like shet plus is more time and money for less sales
============================= =============================== ==========
for youre information perfect dark zero sold 1.5m copys flop?? i dont thinkso only 5 ps3 games had sold more then 1.5m vs xbox360 48games that sold more then 1m and counting plus every i mean every multy console game sells better on xbox360

[snoopgg]

My defintion of flop is any game that goes for $60 and blows monkey. I can't help it that xbots buy so many shat games. If they want to spend their money on crappy games then go ahead you dumb arses. Some of those games that other guy listed as flops were great games. For example Resistance and motorstorm, Heavenly Sword, Unreal, virtual fighter were all great games on the ps3, they just didn't sell as good as they should have. I would rather play any of them then the 360 shat I listed, no matter how much those lackluster games sold for the 360.

[chavafx]

yes every sistem haves flops but nothing like ps3rd i can cout the aaa games with one hand and everything alse is flops

[snoopgg]

So your point is mute bro!!!!!!

[Bullseye]

whether or not this 'forward compatibility' is feasible or practical from an technological standpoint, seems somewhat irrelevant to me.Simply because i can't see many devs willing to make a single game that spans two console generations,can you? Let's face it, without the 'next gen' release of existing IP's, i see a lot of poor devs! Why charge once when you can charge twice for essentially the same game? Technically possible? Maybe, Financially viable? We'll see.

[ManOnFire]

I kind of see this move as a way to get current xbox users to upgrade in the future to the new machine. Having the game look better may not be enough to encourage them to make the jump but extra features included with the extra graphical punch could. Anyways this will be interesting to see how it all comes out.

This added to live could really help many to stay with the xbox brand.

I have all of the systems now and will most likely have them all in the future.

You made some good points Bullseye.

[jfrdricks7931]

Than what Sony has done in the past with their graphical filters for the psone games on the ps2. They are simply saying that the nextbox or whatever it will be called will have hardware based graphical doohickeys that will make the current game look better on the newer machine.

[kazan]

funny that they couldn't make a Backward-Compatible now you tell me they wana do a Forward-Compatible , yah right lol@M$

[Gun_Senshi]

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[Darkseider]

Get a bubble and an agree. For you summed up in one blurb what I went on about in 3 paragraphs on the previous page. I cannot agree more and I cannot say it enough. MS will only bring BAD things to the console industry if this happens.