PlayStation on Xbox backwards compatibility: It's good we're doing different things

PlayStation Europe boss Jim Ryan says the backwards compatibility of Xbox One is a legitimate strategy in trying to upgrade 360 players.

But he says that Sony will not be following the same tactic, as the firm is investing in other software updates to PS4. He also adds that - based on their experience - few gamers actually make use of such functionality.

[Gazondaily]

"“It was quite a complicated announcement and I’m not sure I fully understand it yet. And I suspect there might be a few twists in that particular tale. But we will see,"

What's so hard to understand? Backwards compatability with native support and the game library growing only contingent on game devs giving the thumbs up. That's it.

Nothing complicated at all.

"The earliest PS3 model was backwards compatible with PS2, and it is a much requested feature… but actually it’s not so greatly used."

If its not so greatly used then what about PS Now? You guys are charging quite a lot (albeit in beta form) for the service.

There are many games that I need to complete in my back catalogue; Dead Space 2 and 3, Arkham Asylum, Darksiders 2 etc. These are games I'd rather play on my X1 even if I have them on 360. I think a lot of people will be in the same boat. And using the X1 ancillary functions such as DVR support etc is a big incentive too.

I do know that backwards compatibility isn't a big deal for everyone though.

[Malice-Flare]

i wonder how much MS paid for licensing the games to be emulated on the XB1. Sony couldn't get all the PS games emulated on PSP/Vita due to licensing issues, same with PS2 classics on PS3. why do you think it took so long for Suikoden 2 to come out as a PS1 classic? that's the complication, licensing...

also, despite what you said, this is not 'native' support. native support would mean a new XB1 model with 360 parts in it, like the first PS3 model. what MS is doing is the same thing they did for BC on 360 for the original XBox...

[Gazondaily]

"also, despite what you said, this is not 'native' support. native support would mean a new XB1 model with 360 parts in it"

Well these were the words of MS, not mine. By native I (they) mean just chuck in the cd into the console and then download it digitally. Yeah essentially it is emulation but its still as native as you are going to get on these consoles tbh.

No licensing issues though; they just need developer consent and that's it. Some will withold it for sure in order to sell their remasters instead but I'm confident that the library of games will be quite comprehensive. We'll see.

[Malice-Flare]

@Septic

usually, it's the publishers that handle the licensing. devs may give consent, but the publishers must get their cut, regardless of whether they have a re-master on sale...

[Gazondaily]

Ah fair enough. Yeah lets see how it pans out.

[bouzebbal]

despite it being a feature i almost never use (i still have PS3 60GB model and i prefer to turn on PS2 to play PS2 games), i really thought it was mega announcement the way they did it. After that i realized that MS was just MS, by claiming something sompletely different from the reality. Only few games support this backward compatibility, so NO it's not native, they have to work on the title's emulation before.

[Gazondaily]

@abzdine

"After that i realized that MS was just MS, by claiming something sompletely different from the reality. Only few games support this backward compatibility"

No that is not the case. Any level headed person will know and understand that it will take time to build the catalogue of games for BC. In fact, it is growing as we speak.

You do realise that the feature that is available now is for preview members only right? It hasn't formally launched yet and MS made it very clear that they will have hundreds of titles available when BC actually launches.

To break it down for the sake of clarity:

1. MS said hundreds of titles will have BC
2. All devs/pubs have to do is say yes and the game will be BC
3. The game will work EXACTLY as it did before. This was stated quite unequivocally on stage live at E3
4. The library now is for PREVIEW members. It has NOT launched yet.

I hope that helps.

[Gazondaily]

@abzdine

So offering clarity to someone who is struggling to understand some very basic FACTS means I am a prime candidate for the role of PR for Xbox?

Let me make you understand the position even more clearly because you are clearly struggling here in respect of my numbered points above:

1. This is a FACT. Spencer said it clearly. He used the words 'hundreds'

2. This is a FACT. MS said this on stage. There is nothing to suggest that this position has changed.

3. This is what MS said. They used the words and showed off Mass Effect.

4. This is a FACT. What are you disputing here exactly?

Frankly I don't see a productive conversation happening with you. You quite clearly struggle to understand when someone is extending the courtesy of offering an explanation to you and your failure to distinguish between what is fact and what is theory is worrying. That alone would probably make you a better candidate to fill Panello's shoes :)

[freshslicepizza]

he is right, they are taking a different approach. sony saw an opportunity to charge consumers through playstation now to make use of their acquisition of gaikai and microsoft found a way to emulate for free.

i find it hilarious how he says there isn't much interest yet they put resources into creating playstation now and don't have any ps4 games on it.

[Volkama]

@Abziiine I didn't get the impression that each title needs work. It sounds like a full emulator, no tweaks or special game-by-game attention necessary.

I imagine the initial limited catalogue is partly to simplify testing, and partly because they do need to give publishers the opportunity to opt out.

The 360 backward compatibility required the kind of work you are talking about, and MS very quickly stopped adding games to that list. I don't think they have made the same mistake again.

Kinda makes me wish I'd clicked "yes please" on all the 360 games with gold for the last x years lol.

[Muerte2494]

Only 18 games are currently supported. They want to see a return on their gakia acquisition. Also you're kinda doing the same thing with Xbox BC because you are downloading digital version from Microsoft's server. With PS now you are simply streaming it from the server.

Your presentation couldn't have been that good if BC is the biggest thing people are talking about. BC is something to ease a transition into a new generation. Don't really play my old ps3 games anymore.

[kneon]

@Septic

This comment about sticking in the disc and downloading the game makes me think it's not just an emulator. It sounds like they may be transcoding the original binary to work on the XB1.

[dcbronco]

Septic is on the mark with this issue. This was Microsoft's "this is how you share games on One" hit at Sony. With many developers trying to cash in on remakes Microsoft is simply allowing them to determine if it is something they want for their fans. Under Phil Spencer Microsoft is giving developers final say on just about every possible aspect of their IP. From universal apps to BC.

As far as how Microsoft is doing this I believe it is far more simple than they let on. The design of the Xbox One OS is like a server. The hypervisor running two virtual machine OSs for games and for apps. That's why one can crash and the other doesn't. Servers can work with many architectures. I would bet they just created another virtual machine that is the OS of the 360. In fact I bet they can make the Xbox One run PlayStation games too. If you go back to previous announcements they have said IOS apps and Android apps would work on Windows phone with Windows 10.

A server can run bunches of virtual machines at once. That is probably the reason for the 8gbs of embedded memory. Who knows what they plan to run simultaneously. The possibilities kinda make you wish they had gone with far better parts. But it bodes well for the next Xbox.

So sorry Abzdine and Malice. There is no work required by the developers. Microsoft just doesn't want to step on anyone's toes. Under Phil Spencer Xbox is all about developers. Ballmer would be proud. No further work required, just permission and it's done.

I also don't believe when Microsoft says to download games with a disc they mean from Live. Some seem to believe this requires a recoded software. Same code, new OS. Looking forward to Original Xbox games also. Though I would love to see a MechAssault remake.

[UltimateMaster]

It is backwards compatible if the publishers gives the authorization for it. If not, they can restrict it and release a remaster instead.

That's what suck, but hey it's awesome to see B/C is still a thing.

Now if Sony could bring Backwards Compatibility for PS2 and PS1 at the very least, it would not be impossible to do.

[DragonKnight]

Is no one going to bring up that this guy talking for Sony pulled a Don Mattrick almost word for word? Especially with the "it's not used much" line?

It's hypocrisy.

[4Sh0w]

“We have experience of backwards compatibility. The earliest PS3 model was backwards compatible with PS2, and it is a much requested feature… but actually it’s not so greatly used."

-Looks back at PS Now:
"What Sony failed to mention is that the prices for renting older games are outrageous"-Gamerant
http://gamerant.com/playsta...

-So they brought out Gaikai to build a whole service that they don't think will be used? Come on now, pfft....no clearly they want you to pay $$$ to play old games on ps4(BC) or on anything else like Vita.

-They also shot down EA Access because its not a "good value to the PlayStation gamer".

-And this same SCE Europe boss downplayed consumer choice with EA Access "isn't quite comfortable with how it sits within the whole ecosystem of our digital offering, including PlayStation Plus". -Gamesradar
http://www.gamesradar.com/p...

-January 2015 "Sony is launching a PlayStation Now subscription option for $19.99 a month" -add $49.99 per year, plus $19.99 a month and the costs start to add up. -TheVerge
http://www.theverge.com/201...

-If this were Microsoft refusing consumer choice, then downplaying BC -while promoting and offering a less desirable, more expensive service to stream older games the pitchforks would be out and there would be a thousand cries of how the devil corporation is bad for gaming.

-Yet many here are deflecting the glaring hypocrisy of SCE Europe Boss comments and actually trying to downplay X1 announcement of FREE BC games. Wow, this is a textbook case of why you can't take fanboys seriously, they flip flop on principles like politicians.

-Much credit to you DragonKnight and sony fans who CAN see the hypocrisy in this.

[gangsta_red]

@4Show

Very well said. + Bubbles!

On Topic:

As Dragonknight pointed out, I find it funny that "Sony" says that BC was hardly used even though almost every gamer has requested BC for their systems.

I know people want to defend that PS Now is something completely different but the fact remains that this is Sony's answer for playing older games on your PS4.

And while I think it's a great idea I would still prefer having the option of playing my old games on my new system.

[No Way]

@Muerte2494 - I still have plenty of 360 I wouldn't mind playing.
It would also be preferable to clear the space of the 360 console, itself.
All the while retaining my 360 games, to play on my xOne..
I would take full advantage of this. I'm sure plenty others will, too.

[Christopher]

***I know people want to defend that PS Now is something completely different but the fact remains that this is Sony's answer for playing older games on your PS4. ***

Saying they're different isn't a defense of PS Now. It's just a statement of fact.

I've said they are different, serving different purposes.

I've also said I want BC on PS4 and think BC on XBO is a great business move.

The problem is that people are distilling thoughts down to just extremist views. Either support it completely or not at all. I see the purpose of PS Now even though I'll never use it. I see the purpose of BC as well, and I would definitely use it.

[Pogmathoin]

Got to laugh at the attacks on BC, yet it is always wanted and I remember when it was dropped harshly on PS3, people went nuts and even wanted to sue Sony, and really, it was done bad on 360. Many here also go all out defending PSNow, which, as Dragonknight pointed out, was rendered useless in one sentence. How can they justify charging loan shark rates for games you own, when this happens? You got to admit, MS blind sided everyone with this. Just hold your hands up and acknowledge its a good thing.

[pivotplease]

I've got to say as much as I am an advocate for BC, this guy might be speaking the truth. On ps3 I used it actually zero times and just used my PS2 because it had the saves still and on PS2 I might have used it a handful of times but I found myself too busy with that system's awesome library. I still want BC on PS4 but I'm not expecting it and I suppose I wouldn't use it too much like this guy says. He's just stating statistics basically. He's not saying get a PS3 if you want BC. Hardly like Don Mattrick at all.

[fullmetal297]

It clearly said in the article that Sony doesn't have enough software engineers to focus on backward compatibility and they much rather focus on fulfilling the original promises they made such play as you Download and Suspend/Resume.

Please read the article before wearing your tin foil hat and making more conspiracy theories.

[gangsta_red]

"Saying they're different isn't a defense of PS Now. It's just a statement of fact."

A fact according to who? You? Sorry but I guess our facts differ because they're just our own opinions.

"The problem is that people are distilling thoughts down to just extremist views."

I see more people trying their hardest not to see the similarities of both offerings. This is Sony's answer to BC, yes Sony has bigger plans for this service in the long run but as of right now this is the only way to play older games on PS4.

I actually like the PSNow service and if they ever had a game I never owned I would probably rent it, but I have more games in my library that I never got to finish and it would be fantastic to play them on my Xbox One.

[FriedGoat]

PS Now is not strictly for BC on PS4. It also works on PS VITA, VITA TV, SAMSUNG TVs.

I wouldn't spend money on it at all, but it ain't made with me in mind it's made for casual consumers. XBOX BC is made for snatching people still stuck in last gen and current gen gamers who want to play their old stuff.

[LamerTamer]

@Septic
Technically this ISN'T emulation. If it was all you would need to do is put in the 360 disc after the OS update that includes the emulator and all games would work. It is like downloading a SNES emulator all ROMs work, you don't need to re-download special ones.

Another thing is that the CPUs are radically different, X86 in X1 and PowerPC in the 360. Then you need a much higher clock speed to emulate a different CPU. When translating CPU instruction set you need more clock cycles to do it. The X1 CPU has a LOWER clock at 1.75 GHz compared to 360 3.2 GHz so emulating is mathematically impossible.

What they are likely doing is some kind of recompiling of the games. That is why you need to download the games digitally, the disc is just a key to tell them you own the disc. You are basically downloading Xbox 360 games recompiled for the X1. This also explains why they need permission from publishers, modifying a third party's game code such as recompiling/translating without permission is probably illegal.

Still it is a great feature I am not trying to downplay it.

[Bigpappy]

Sony's data shows that not many people use BC, so they design a business model (PSNOW) where they will charge PS4 owners to play games their most likely already own. Hopefully more of them will play these games now they get to give more money to Sony.

There is some logic here. I am just to stupid to see it.

[Christopher]

***A fact according to who? ***

To everyone?

PS Now: Game streaming service using a subscription model that can be played on a lot of devices and requires an Internet connection.

XBO BC: Allowing the play of certain games from the Xbox 360 at no additional cost on the XBO and not requiring an Internet connection after initial game download.

To continue to argue that these services are the same is a failure in logic. It's akin to me saying that TESO F2P model is the exact same as Clash of Clans F2P model.

Just because both allow you to play some games from last generation does not mean they are the same thing or are no different from one another.

[Bennibop]

He does seem to be correct as its not as straightforward as the announcement made it seem. Not all your 360 games will work on the X1 only the ones that have been enabled. Sony need to do something with PS Now to make it a fair service (games you own already should be free to use.)

Backwards compatability was always touted as a big thing on PS3 the reality is not many people used it, with all the new titles coming out on X1 and Ps4 how much time are you going to spend playing your old games?

[Gazondaily]

"Not all your 360 games will work on the X1 only the ones that have been enabled"

But they clarified this on stage. They quite clearly said that they have made it easy for devs to greenlight it by simply saying yes to their titles being backwards compatible. There really should be no cause for confusion here.

[starrman1985]

Some devs will no doubt be greedy, but most should see it as another line for revenue! Their older 360 games can now be purchased and played on the Xbox One, why would they not bite!

Also Sony would never follow suit now, it would completely go against PS Now.

[Bennibop]

No confusion, My point is still correct not all 360 games work on x1, Microsoft has not thrown a switch and all games are now compatible. Publishers need to opt their games in and I am sure some will not as they have remasters planned etc.

[Baka-akaB]

They know it because the feature wasnt on all ps3 models accross the world , and over time removed (for ps2) . Yet besides us on our forums and comments section of choice , the world didnt blink and punish them for giving up on it . When they removed the ps2 hardware to lower costs , sales went up instead of punishing them .

I wont defend Sony for not featuring it , it's something every constructor should strive to as a standard , but it's easy to see that it's a feature usually very demanded at the launch of a console , and then many move on or forget it .

Things could change however , with a push from MS (and Nintendo)

[OB1Biker]

The best answer to BC IMO is to keep your PS3. I have all PS4 PS3 and Vita and I dont see the problem specially not using my PS4 HD space for last gen games.
I read it seems they have to download it on their HD and cant play from disc

[callahan09]

Just curious Septic, but if it's as easy as just saying "OK, you can enable it for this game", then why aren't all of Microsoft's own games enabled for the preview period? I don't really understand that. Couldn't they just greenlight all of their own games right away, and if so, why wouldn't they?

[GearsOfWar]

@callahan09

I'm not sure you understand how the preview program works. We have quests that help Microsoft gather feedback and bug reports. Expecting a massive amount of titles directly after the announcement is kind of reaching, don't you think? Pretty sad that you guys are trying to turn this into a negative now.

They specifically said that 100+ would be supported by official launch. They stated no work is required of developers, its all on Microsoft's end. It can be easy and also still require some work to make sure we have a smooth experience. I've tested some games already and they're running great. That doesn't mean some of the more extensive multiplayer games are going to be as easy to enable as snapping their fingers.

[kneon]

Allowing you to play the games you own for free on PS Now may seem fair to you, but how is it fair to Sony? They need to maintain this massive infrastructure to support PS Now, that has to be paid for somehow. Perhaps making it free with a PS+ subscription could be viable, as long it's not unlimited usage.

But really BC is only needed at the beginning of the console's lifecycle when games are sparse. We're near the end of that period now.

PS Now isn't really for PS gamers. It's more for the casual gamers that aren't going to go out and buy a console, or for non-PS gamers that just want to play a few of the PS exclusives.

[someOnecalled]

how did they state that this is complicated, when ms did the same thing last gen. i use my BC last gen and it made me buy more games i didnt play. they are clearly trying to nickel and dime their customers. hey its business and clearly its a win win by them doing this.

[gangsta_red]

"the reality is not many people used it,"

What reality is this? I have a 60 gig original PS3 and I and others I know use it often, i am currently playing Grandia III. The reality is Sony said that just to justify taking BC out.

Yes not every game will be BC with X1 but not every game will be available to rent on PSNow either. Also people seem to forget that when licenses expire those games will also disappear from PSNow too.

"with all the new titles coming out on X1 and Ps4 how much time are you going to spend playing your old games?"

Whenever I have time, that is the great thing of having the option to re-visit games you already own. Instead of having to pay to rent those games you already own.

[LamerTamer]

Even if Sony has a program where if you put in a PS3 disc the system sees it as a key and allows you to stream that for free it still isn't as good. Streaming games sucks. You need a good and always online connection (remember the meltdown over "always online", now it is ok?), the graphic fidelity is downgraded, and you get input lag. With this "BC" you are getting to download recompiled X360 games to the X1 and can be played OFFLINE with the same level of graphic fidelity and no lag. MS solution is much better.

I say this as a Sony fanboy too.

[ThePresentIsAgift]

But are the games "old" though? In real terms the PS3 and 360 provided a staggering evolutionary leap over their prior releases, maybe that's why the measured usage of BC was supposedly low.

That and it was jacked on 360, they looked great but some really ran at low frames, the only games I remember really shining were Dead or Alive 2/3 and Burnout 3.

Most of the games on PS3 and 360 are still gorgeous and technically sound. I would love to see Forza Horizon, Killzone 3 or Uncharted 2 on my new HDTV, especially if the PS4 or 'One were running them.

[JasonKCK]

The choice is clear. Pay a large fee for streaming BC, or wait for free local BC.

Basically MS undercut Sony, like Sony did to MS a couple E3's ago.

[sereal_killer]

the problem is sony can only do this via streaming because the ps3 arcitecture is so different than the ps4. I also dont think PSNOW is their asnswer to backwards compatibility, i think they are testing this on ps4 but are using this to allow ps games on other devices like they started doing

[Barricade]

When they first announced PlayStation Now it was made clear that for now it's just games from previous generations, but the plan is to make new releases available as well.

The thing about PlayStation Now is that you'll be able to play your games on a multitude of platforms and not just the PlayStation 4, so it's not quite the same as backward compatibility, it's more about playing the game on as many platforms as possible. (I still think the pricing needs to be adressed, but I can't really say much about that as I have yet to try it when it comes to Europe)

[LifeInNZ]

The day they start releasing new release games on PSNow is the day the PS4 becomes redundant. However, subscription based streaming services will undoubtedly be the future of gaming...whether we like it or not.

[darx]

"Future of gaming"...doubt it. OnLive failed as will PS Now. Future is digital downloads not streaming.

[uth11]

I think streaming will grow, but not replace consoles anytime soon. Both will coexist. Sony is just positioning itself in both markets with PS Now

[someOnecalled]

so soon we dont need a ps4? spin spin spin. i get the point about playing on other platforms but. no BC at all is a turn off. i hope they dont have BC next gen since people seem to think its ok and justify it.

[Yetter]

The thing about PS Now is its Sonys long term goal to completely remove ownership of games from the players.

[green]

Well said @septic. I also have the same issue because i have not played Batman Arkham city, Dishonoured and Dark Souls II but i own them on my 360. When i got my Xbox One, my nephew had been begin me for my 360 so i gave it to him.

Now with BC, i will have the opportunity to play those games on my X1 because they are games i really want to play.

Most likely, those games will be part of the list and if they are, well i will now be able to play them. Very straight forward to me.

[Ricegum]

Getting the permission from developers to allow people to play their old games, that's the sticky part. If Sony struggle to do that with PS Now, obviously Microsoft are going to have a hard time with this too. I can see a lot of developers blocking this.

[Barricade]

I doubt you'll be playing Dark Souls II and Dishonored on your Xbox One, with the remasters available.

[green]

@jasperkah: Too be honest, i don't really see remasters hurting the sales of games on a console that has BC.

I think so because, remasters usually bring graphical and performance upgrades. Take for example Mass Effect, it is my favourite franchise last gen and i completed it five times but, the performance of the first game was terrible, struggling to maintain 30fps in almost all scenarios and really had some awful textures and pop ups.

With a remaster, the game would be full 1080p at steady 60fps with improved visuals. I would certainly buy it again especially if it is a collection of all three games.

Also, remasters would sell mostly to those that never had the chance to play the game last gen.

In my opinion the devs allowing BC would not have an impact on the sales of their remasters.

[Baka-akaB]

What's good here , is that it might force the hand of publisher readying remasters .

I mean by that force them to strive for the extras , and not just an upscale and the bare minimum , as seen with a few titles .

Of course sadly the most greedy of them wont allow select games to be compatible , and then release a remaster

[green]

@Baka-akaB: I completely agree.

[4Sh0w]

Here's my honest question on needing permission from pubs/devs for BC.

OK in the old ps2 days we didn't need permission to play a *psx games on ps2, you just loaded your old ps1 game disc in ps2 and it played the game. Surely sony didn't run out and get a inked deal from every dev that made a ps1 game before launch.

I understand now they are using sophisticated software emulation, but we *technically NEVER OWNED the games anyway, only the *license to play them, I'm not aware of any expiration of those licences??? lol, usually your hardware just stops working and of course the hardware isn't sold anymore so you CANT play the game, but that's no different than your disc getting old/abused and it becomes unplayable, they do not give you a new disc for free just cause you already paid once because of course no promises are made that you can play forever but I also have never heard of any that artificially limit you from playing as long as possible= What's changed, if I *paid for Mass Effect game disc or digital copy, why does Microsoft need permission from somebody to let me play a game I paid for again just because the new console is only "emulating" the game through software vs rendering straight from hardware???????????

I seriously would like a reasonable answer or tell me if I'm just crazy 'cause I don't know how this works/legal issues.

[_-EDMIX-_]

I got to agree with everyone on this one. I don't see it as a huge issue. Merely keep your old systems. I can't rest my whole library on whether or not some publisher will ok the licensing of a game I factually own. It makes more sense to actually just keep your system or buy another one as those consoles used are pretty cheap.

I also agree with Green. Most of those remasters will likely sell to those that didn't play them last gen anyway. Even if you have BC, you'll likely still want to play the 1080p, 60fps version. Hell, I have my PS3 and PS4 and will still get The Last Of Us on PS4. Even if my PS4 had BC...it would still get the remastered.

I'm not even fully sure how much that even translates into sales of consoles as 80 million of em sold...thus I don't really think the market for them is THAT huge.

Consider PS4 is the first PS to not have any type of BC DAY 1 after the PS2.

Yet.....consider its also the fastest selling console in history, not merely just the fastest selling PS.....OF ALL CONSOLES! Soooo I'm not fully sure how that really translates into sales if at all. Even if I was a XB gamer....I would just keep my 360, vs selling it, waiting for MS or publishers to support BC etc.

I'm playing such a HUGE backlog right now on PS3, I just don't think it would even make sense to sit back and wait for something that may not even come. The logical thing to do is simply just keep your old system. Its not MS, Sony or NIntendo's job to hand you a free console every gen. I mean if they can make it happen, sweet, but its not a deal breaker for me.

When this gen is done, I'm merely just getting another PS4 (if my current one isn't alive any more lolz)

[ThatOneRiggaNob]

I think being able to stream those old games is a big deal too (I'm pretty sure they mentioned that). Being able to introduce all these new features to your old games without any additional hardware is just amazing. I will mostly use it for games I didn't complete such as arcade games and such but just thinking about playing these other games with my Xbox One controller instead of the 360 controller is just beautiful now.

[poppinslops]

Yeah, that's the best part.
I've still got my 360, but years of abuse have taken their toll on the controller... I remember being disappointed when I realised my XOne controller wasn't compatible with my 360, but backwards compatibility is a way better solution.

And whilst I'm certain Square Enix will still find a way to justify remasters for all of their games, I'm hopeful that this will mean fewer remakes... but I wouldn't bet on it.

[CannonB8]

The support is not "native". If it was, every title would be playable on day one. As it is, it looks like each title has to be formatted to run through the emulator. Even the original Kinect doesn't work.

Kudos to Microsoft for going down this road, as it will help with the transition, but I agree with Sony on this one. I remember when they pulled the Emotion Engine out of the phat PS3. There was a minor uproar but truthfully, the majority of PS3 owners couldn't care less (probably because most of them still had their PS2s).

PS Now will probably die a death as well, or be incorporated into PS+ at some point down the line, but with price drops and deals, the last gen will inevitably be left behind. And, we will always have the remasters, right? /s

[Aenea]

@Cobra The 360 uses a PowerPC based CPU which is very different from the x86 used in the X1 so no, the architecture is totally different!

But, Apple moved from PPC to x86 and was able to run the PPC applications with ease. The PS3 also uses a PowerPC based CPU but it also has those SPUs which are probably not that easy to emulate.

[GameSpawn]

Agreed Aenea.

Microsoft's backwards compatibility is not really backwards compatibility more so it is a recompiled binary. It is not even emulation. I can tell you if they "emulated" the PPC processor of the 360 it would be a horror show - anyone who ran PPC Applications through Rosetta [Mac OS's PPC Emulator] on an Intel Mac can attest to this.

Microsoft is doing what Apple did during the PPC/Intel transition and recompiling binaries for the newer processor architecture. This is not an easy task and it is not 100% free from its own issues (all it takes is one PPC API call that doesn't translate perfectly to an X86 API call to throw a wrench into the works). For the non-Computer Scientists out there API's are [complex] program instructions to tell a computer's processor and components what to do.

[rainslacker]

I think telling if it was a recompiled binary would be a relatively easy thing to do. All you would have to do is compare the file sizes between the 360 download and the X1 download. RISC and CISC code are significantly different sizes on disc, so it would be more than a few KB's of a wrapper program.

I'm hesitant to think this is the case, as recompiled binaries would have to be done outside of the actual download, and can lead to all sorts of problems within the game itself. The more likely scenario is that they are using a regular old emulation software program to translate the current binary that exists.

The fact you have to download it is likely because the X1 requires all games be loaded onto the hard drive, so you can't play them directly from disc. Ripping a game directly from a disc opens up all sorts of security loopholes that hackers could use to easily circumvent the DRM that exists on the console.

The reason MS is probably requiring publisher approval on games is because they can't simply give out downloadable content licenses without paying the publisher for them. For everyone that downloaded, MS would be obligated to pay the publisher. Requiring activation by the publisher, the clause probably states that they don't have to do that once their verification process has been done. For digital games, those games were sold as available only on the 360. I believe Sony is in the same boat with offering digital titles on PSNow.

[asmith2306]

"I do know that backwards compatibility isn't a big deal for everyone though." - correct, by a long shot. There are a few select titles that I would ever play again from a previous console, but the chances of me playing them are slim when there is so much new, current gen stuff out there. The last thing I want to do on my current gen system is have a bigger urge to play last gen games, rather than current gen games. BC is nice, but it's not as great as people make it out to be.

[GTgamer]

Backward Compatibility on Xone means nothing to people whose main console last gen was playstation but its an awesome thing for people whose main console last gen was X360 but that's basically how I see it but you always gotta go remember that they might not support the games you want.

[Kingdomcome247]

I'm sorry, but I completely disagree. Wasn't the reasoning behind TLOU remaster not stated by Sony as being for everyone who transitioned over to PlayStation from the 360? I would think that BC would be great for those who didn't own the 360.

[dragon82]

You just said the same thing asmith2306 did.

People switching from the other platform probably don't care about BC. It's only important to the ones who had a 360 last gen.

[Jimkahn]

i'd have to disagree last gen i started with a 360, it rrod i replaced it then my house got robbed and it was stolen, after that i bought a ps3 because i wanted to play valkyria chronicles. i never got round to buying a 360 again, and missed a bunch of games i wanted to play, now provided they are sold on the xbox store id be more than happy to pay for them, lost odyssey im looking at you.

[parkesy78]

Its complicated because its not backwards compatable on every title only a few id be surprised if you ever see a cod on there or many other 3rd party games unless there releasing a sequel and want some exposure

[jukins]

Funny ps3 sales INCREASED after the removal of backwards compatibility. I mean yea it's a cool feature and a bonus but at the same time I can go without because I'm the type who moves on whenever a new gen comes around.

[green]

I do not think the removal of BC was the reason for increased sales of the PS3. On the PS3, BC was hardware based with the console having two chips which ran the PS2 games – the Emotion Engine CPU, and the Graphics Synthesizer GPU. Sony was looking for a way to reduce costs, and removed both engines from the PS3.

This also brough around a reduction in costs to the end user which drastically increased sales. The sales further increased with the slim.

[nitus10]

I still use my BC PS3 to play PS2 games although all PS3's can play PS1 games.

Because the BC PS3 can smooth the output of older PS2 games the output like an up-scaled DVD on a large screen HDTV so the picture while not as stellar as the true PS3 game it is still quite good and of course the game-play still has not changed.

Unfortunately PS1 games do look grainy on a large screen HDTV with the amount of graininess depending on the game. so If anyone has original PS1 games I do actually recommend a smaller screen TV.

[jcnba28]

Sony needs to do something about BC on PS4. PS Now is not good enough.

[InTheLab]

Just like with the 360, there's only a select few games that can be played right? That will be the source of confusion.

As for it not being a big deal, bull $#$#! Just got off Bloodborne and want to play Demon's Souls. Would be great to play it on my ps4.

BC is a huge deal. Got US through the first 2 years of the ps3's life and you're lying if you tell me you were're playing GoW2 on ps3 when it came out in 2007....

[thricetold]

Totally agree. Suddenly BC is no big deal? The hypocrisy on this site is sickening to be honest. Yes the sales went up after they removed it because the console was cheaper you freakin dodos!

If we were 3 or 4 years into a new gen I'd agree it's no big deal as we would have new gen games that are truly NEW GEN to play, but all we have are remakes and remasters and new gen games that just look prettier to wow the pixel pixies.

To top it off you got this bozo stating most players aren't interested in playing old games yet they have the nerve to overcharge you to play old games you probably still own with PS now! Gtfo with that horsesh**!

These sony fanboys are worse than MS' s, they've kept quiet about ps plus being needed to play the other half of your game when they ripped ms for it for years and now suddenly BC is unimportant because ms is offering it for free and sony wants to overcharge you as much as you will let them.

Did i miss something?

[InTheLab]

No dude all fanboys are terrible and have ruined this site. The people are incapable of being objective and take the console wars personally. I honestly feel like the biggest threat to gamers is ourselves.

How can anyone justify paying for psnow but brush off BC on the X1?

Is it really that hard to stick a ps3 game into a ps4, then download the game? You're telling me this can't be done to bypass the Cell architecture? Sounds like some greedy s#! $ to me....

[rainslacker]

@thrice

As I recall, at the start of this gen, the lack of BC was lamented, then claimed to not be a big deal by both sides, because neither of them had it. Some people were upset about it, and those people are still upset that PS doesn't have it. I was a BC proponent, I often I had people telling me I didn't matter from both sides.

I see a couple of Xbox fans who said it wasn't a big deal back then, or back in the 360 days,, are now saying it's a big deal. I'm sorry, but fan boys are fan boys, and since MS removed it's paltry BC implementation in the 360, I haven't seen a single MS fan say it's a big deal....but you say Sony fans are the worst because they now continue to say it isn't a big deal? I still see a lot of Sony fans upset that Sony isn't offering a BC solution, and some that aren't too happy that PSNow seems to be Sony's BC solution, even though it's not.

[StarLord_Who]

"It's good that we're making you all pay for something different."*

[Picnic]

Septic, they'd have to replicate the Cell, much harder and more expensive than Microsoft being able to play Xbox360 games.

From Sony's point of view, and from the point of view of loyal Sony players who actually owned and kept their PS3, it would be a waste of resources. Plus it would eat in to the need to buy remasters.

[Docknoss]

I'm laughing at all the disagree's your getting. This new feature will drive console sells through the roof.

[n4rc]

well.. seems a tad like damage control... just a tad

however i do agree with him, i dont really think as many people will use it as the internet may lead you to believe..

its a cool feature... but my leftover 360 titles wont be played on my x1... lol.. i have x1 games to play

edit.. although im looking at my bioshock collection.. hmm... i may stand corrected lol

[rainslacker]

I think that's true the further along in the generation that we go. It can be a pretty good incentive to upgrade in the early part of the gen though. I think we're right on the edge of beginning to end, so I can see this swaying some 360 owners to move on.

It's good for me, because I collect games, and enjoy playing older games, so now I can just get a X1 instead of a 360 to play some of those older games I missed out on. However, even though I was sold at first, given that it's only for preview members, and there is no current indication of how well it will be supported by the publisher, I've put a pin in it...so basically I'm waiting to see what bundles will be offered this holiday.

[JasonKCK]

A tad?

[n4rc]

Absolutely earlier would have been ideal..

Since I was a kid, I've never gone back and played old games.. Even borderlands 2, loved it and played it right up until I got my x1.. Decided to try and finish up the last dlc pack during the launch drought and couldn't stand it lol.. Turned it off after 5min..

Going from my ps2 to playing on my PC ruined me as well.. Only got back into console as my PC died, probably why I purposely buy low end video cards so I won't get suckered into it all again he he..

So after rambling for a bit.. Lol.. Seems virtually all games will end up available save for a couple.. Maybe the company folded and they can't find anyone to approve etc.. I can think of a few reasons publishers may not like it but would they risk the bad press and opt out?

Edit for above.. Yeah.. Perhaps downplaying is a better term, not that I blame him whatsoever.. Its his job.. I happen to agree but I know many others do really want this..

[GameForever]

The PS2 and the original PS3 had Native backwards compatibility by using chips from previous gen systems not with emulation, they removed those chips in the original PS3 to make the Slim PS3 cheaper to manufacture and to lower the retail cost of the system.

Xbox 360 and Xbox One use software emulation. It's not a bad thing for Xbox One to have backwards compatibility but it's not anywhere near being better than playing the games on the system they were made for. Honestly i wasn't impressed with the backwards compatibility on Xbox 360 and I don't expect it to be any better on Xbox One. I'll just keep my Xbox 360 for for the very rare times I go back and play Xbox 360 games.

[dirkdady]

I would think if it's anyone, it would be sony that truly understands the pitfalls of BC emulation as the PS3 2nd gen model had software emulation with the widest range of ps2 software while MS gave up on emulation efforts after getting a smaller number of games working on emulation in 360.

Remember the Game Room promised by MS? They claimed it would have thousands of titles in it by years end and they just quietly sweeper things under the rug later on. Same goes to BC emulation support on 360 as they quietly stopped updating their emulation software to handle more games.

[aquamala]

we are charging you for games you already own

[dragon82]

If you pay to play games you already own then that is your fault. The real question here is do you still own these games but no system to play them on? If so then that is also your fault. That would be like renting a movie on Vudu while the same movie sits on your shelf because you sold your Bluray player and kept the movie.

[rainslacker]

Sony never marketed PSNow as a BC solution. You were only allowed to play games that you rented or some games you purchased through digital on the service. At no point, were you able to have your entire digital library available to you, nor at no point did Sony promise that you could throw your physical copy in and play a streamed version of it. Most of that was just theory posited by the community. Nothing about PSNow is BC, except for a few select digital titles that are available that were purchased on the PS3. At best, you have some BC available on digital purchases.

Sony charges to play games on the service, nothing more, nothing less. You can play those games on any device that supports PSNow.

It would be great if Sony allowed available games to be played in BC fashion this way, but the chance they will is pretty slim.

If a person went and payed for a game you already own via streaming on some system, and you own the game and the system to play it on already, then that just makes that person a idiot(special circumstances excluded). Sony never made people do this, nor did they imply that people had to do this. They merely offer the option to play games through a streaming service for a nominal fee. I'd imagine most people would opt for the cheaper option of just using the game and system they already own.

[mokkeyrg2]

well said!

[lemondish]

Only 100 games to start, and no roadmap in when they'll be expanded.

[Spotie]

Remember when the sales of the PS4 were at about ten million, and Sony revealed a survey that said half of all PS4 owners didn't have a PS3?

THAT'S why PSNow exists. It's not for people like me, who've had 3 PS3s- sold one due to circumstances and gave one away. It's for that large contingent of new PS gamers- and new gamers, period- that haven't had the chance to play these games in the first place.

It drives me up a wall to see Xbox fans keep saying "making you pay for games you already own" as if you can ONLY play these games again if you pay Sony. I mean, are there just a bunch of people out there who get rid of their consoles but keep the games, then complain when the next console doesn't play the games they were told it wouldn't play, anyway.

I mean, seriously?

That said, I WOULD like the ability to at least play my digital games from PS3 on PS4. It'd be great if I could retire my PS3... not that I would, since I used it to retire my PS2. But I'm also not ridiculous enough to complain about the feature not being there when I would have complained about the price of the console if it had been included.

Lastly, this is NOT native BC any more than playing FFVII on my Vita is native BC. Yes, it's still the game, but it's not playing my PS1 disc.

[gangsta_red]

Your defense is mind boggling.

"...and Sony revealed a survey that said half of all PS4 owners didn't have a PS3?"

A survey from Sony telling you that not everyone owned a PS3. Sony also told you that BS wasn't a feature used by many for the original PS3. I bet you believed that too right?

It's pretty amazing that you don't trust many websites because you think they have some hidden agenda against Sony and you have commented that you don't trust MS because whatever reason you stated but you will definitely trust Sony at face value when they give you these "surveys".

"THAT'S why PSNow exists."

Just stop! PSNow exists because Sony is looking at an all digital future and this is the foundation, this is where it starts. This is not only a service to gauge people's interest in how often they will subscribe and rent games but to also expand to other devices other than a dedicated console and see how it works out. Offering BC would undermine this new service which is why they rejected EA Access.

"that haven't had the chance to play these games in the first place."

Didn't you use this excuse for remasters and re-releases? If that's the case then why not just add BC? If there are sooo many people that never owned a PS3 then add BC to PS4 instead of charging to rent these games.

"but keep the games, then complain when the next console doesn't play the games they were told it wouldn't play, anyway"

That is the most illogical argument I have ever read. Most people have very little shelf space in their living rooms or whatever to have multiple consoles set up. So yes, people do get rid of or store their older consoles so they can make room for new ones. Wouldn't it be great if your new console could play your old games that you may not have finished yet.

Are you seriously trying to imply that people have to get rid of all their old software because they got new hardware?

"But I'm also not ridiculous enough to complain about the feature not being there"

Of course not, but I bet if it was there and not on the other console you dislike you sure would be praising it as you do other features your console of choice has.

"this is NOT native BC any more than playing FFVII on my Vita is native BC."

The great downplaying! I have seen you try and make some point about it not being native and I have no idea what you're trying to get at. What does it matter? It still plays and brings along all the features of the original game as well as the X1 with it.

[magiciandude]

@Spotie

"Remember when the sales of the PS4 were at about ten million, and Sony revealed a survey that said half of all PS4 owners didn't have a PS3?"

No, I don't remember any survey. Could you fill me in? Surveys are nice, but do you remember how this survey was conducted? Was it by analyzing statistics of PSN accounts and trophies? Because if that wasn't the case, chances are I and many other PS4 owners were no part of the survey.

"THAT'S why PSNow exists."

Yet it works on PS3 as well, so I assume there is some market for current PS3 owners...

"Lastly, this is NOT native BC any more than playing FFVII on my Vita is native BC. Yes, it's still the game, but it's not playing my PS1 disc."

Umm, yeah it is. You can pop in any supported disk into the Xbox One and it works... Not in the same way the PS2 BC works on two of my PS3s that have it, which this has been covered multiple times already, but virtually it's no different. You can't pop in a PS1 disk into the Vita. You have to buy the game off PSN regardless you own the disk or you don't.

That's why the Xbox One's BC is closer to native BC that you're denying about.

[_-EDMIX-_]

"THAT'S why PSNow exists. It's not for people like me, who've had 3 PS3s- sold one due to circumstances and gave one away. It's for that large contingent of new PS gamers- and new gamers"

Nope. PS Now works with PS3.... its not some answer to BC as I can't put a PS3 disk in the PS4 and PS Now some how lets me play it.

Just no. Many keep saying this and its very much not the same thing.

I also don't agree with Gangsta-red nor Spotie.

IF you want to play an old system, merely keep it, buy it used etc. XONE's BC doesn't guarantee all your games will be supported, PS Now doesn't give you ALL of your games, many won't be supported. The only way to play your whole library, 100%......keep your systems! I kept my PS3, thus this PS Now, Native BC, emulated etc what ever means nothing to me, its a non-issue for me.

To say you sold your system or um "people like me, who've had 3 PS3s- sold one due to circumstances and gave one away" I just don't get it, its just pure entitlement. Why did you sell it? Why is it Sony or MS or anyone's job to provide you with a free system?

I'm fine with MS doing a fan service thing, but I'm not too happy at folks begging for it as if they should be making 3 in 1 system just for lolz so you could have um "shelf space" and because you had 3 and sold them, its fine that they did, but I would hold nothing against them if they didn't.

I've never heard of something so damn entitled in my life. I NEVER sold my PS3 and even bought a used one after I got a PS4 as I had zero plans of getting rid of my library or using "PS Now" to supplement my PS3 games.

I bought PS4 because I had the money to, I would NEVER buy a PS4 at LAUNCH by selling my PS3, that just makes no damn sense. I mean...I game on the system often and you guys on here who have my PSN seem on playing on it often, but I play more on my PS3 as I just have huge backlogs on PS3 currently.

I see me playing my PS3 for a long while and if I even owned a 360 last gen then an XONE this gen...I'd very likely just do the same thing (as I have a pretty deep back log lol).

Sony, MS, Nintendo etc have no ode to give you 2 systems in 1. Some of you are so damn entitled and disrespectful, it was questioned why it wasn't 100% native and why it was only 100 games after the fact....never mind they just gave you usage of a system for free though. Really now folks?

[rainslacker]

I actually do think that BC isn't an oft used feature. Particularly true the longer a generation goes on.

Here in a gaming forum, obviously it will be a more desired feature, but overall, most people do not go back and play their old games.

More so, looking at used games at game stop, the older generation sections quickly go away once the new generation games become plentiful enough to make shelf space for them. At my local GS, two shelves have already been removed for PS3 used games, and more and more they are trying to get rid of the the less desired ones by dropping the price. The reason the price drops is because people aren't buying the games as much, and there is more money to be had in selling the used versions of the current gen.

BC is a great feature. PSNow though, was never marketed as a BC option. I agree with gangsta, that PSNow means that Sony isn't likely to offer BC, but at the same time, I don't think that it really matters that much.

I wouldn't retire my PS3 either way, because it's fully BC to PS1 and 2, so unless the PS4 can offer full BC I simply can't. But I know I'm in the minority when it comes to playing older games, and realistically, you can look on here to see how little people care about older games, sometimes even when they are available on the current gen. It's ridiculous to think it's a majorly used feature among the masses, but it's perfectly reasonable to want it as a feature because it's one of those things you may use once in a while.

I personally don't see PSNow as a good option for me to play older games on a newer system, but I am not the norm and am perfectly happy playing on the system it was designed to be played on. It is nice I can play 3 gens on my PS3 though.

[maniacmayhem]

Your arguments seriously make no sense at all.

Why would PSNow be for gamers who never had a PS3 and yet be available on the PS3? Another system that later models have no BC?

I have a Blu-ray player. I upgraded from DVD, but guess what, my Blu-ray can play DVD's. According to you though I should keep my DVD player on top of my Blu-ray player that way I don't have to sell my whole dvd collection.

Don't know why you are trying so hard to downplay this and pretend that no one was asking for BC or it isn't important.

[vega275]

It's only complicated because putting BC on the ps4 give gamers little reason to invest into ps now or buy remakes of games they already have. That extra money they would give up by adding that feature. Also downplay it as a feature very little people would use when it's the most requested feature on Xbox forum

[JeffGUNZ]

Thank you. Someone sees the truth behind his comment. This is pissing Sony off because they are charging their consumers for games they already own on PSNow where Spencer made a firm statement of BC being FREE. Sony will never bring BC at this point with PSNow as their future.

[Christopher]

No, see my comment below. There are some complications. At least from a managing it so it's A) not easily abused so that you're giving games away for free by allowing people to just trade every game from last gen and get it for free digitally and B) working with publishers to get this to happen without extra costs and C) preventing piracy as much as possible.

As far as your comments about remakes, are we missing that they announced both BC and a remaster of Gears of War on the same stage, same day, within the same hour?

As far as downplaying it, I agree with that. I don't have the figures. I know that when I got my PS3, I didn't really play much PS2 games. But, I'm not sure that's a good enough reason to not do it. And, I do think Sony is right about how many would do this overall considering we're reaching a point where games for last gen consoles are just not being made as focus is being put on current generation consoles (typical at the 2 year mark in a console's life).

[vega275]

@ Christopher

As I said its not complicated at all.

reason why it wasnt done at launch is because like the ps4. It doesnt have last gen hardware inside to do BC as the ps3 did when it first launch. This is done a different way. Plus that sony excuse that many have moved on yet are trying to sell ps now which does what?...........play last gen and ps2 games.

Like I said they have to downplay BC because it goes against what they are trying to sell. Which is to push ps now and remastered and remakes. I said it before and I'll say it again. Sony has convinced its fans that rebuying games you already own for full price and investing in a service that basically lets you rent games from last gen that you've also pretentally still own.

But hey why would anyone want BC for free when they can pay full price for remakes and a rental service

[Christopher]

BC is great and I get the business move here. Get more people to move away from 360s. Great plan, great decision.

But, there are some weird things about it:

1. Why not at release where it would make most sense? Now, people are mostly focused on moving to the new gen anyway since there aren't many new games out on old gen stuff. I mean, look how many games shown this year from all parties aren't even going to be on last gen consoles?

2. You gotta download the digital version of the game? Annoying in some places I'd assume.

3. Will it be the same games available in every region? What will publishers do, because to them it's about money and preventing any additional costs to them?

4. What happens if I buy a game used? Will I still be able to get the download or will it have registered as someone else's game who immediately sold it to GameStop?

A lot of the questions I have here kind of apply to the same questions I had with XBO DLC originally announced. And I didn't like some of those answers.

But, regardless, BC is great option for those who want to leave the 360 behind and move to the XBO.

[gangsta_red]

I don't understand what you are saying here.

"You gotta download the digital version of the game?"

Why would you need to download the digital version of the game. All you need is the disc and the X1 emulates the 360. From my understanding the X1 will treat BC exactly like the 360 did except you will get the perks of X1 features like record, etc, etc.

Digital games on your 360 that are BC will automatically show up on Xbox One.

"Will I still be able to get the download or will it have registered as someone else's game who immediately sold it to GameStop?"

Huh? Where are you getting this information about registering games? Did I miss an article about this? As far as I read all you need to do is own the game and pop it in to your Xbox One.

[Christopher]

***Why would you need to download the digital version of the game. All you need is the disc and the X1 emulates the 360.***

Actually, what they've said is that you have to download a digital version of the game to play it. IT's not played from the disc. So, the disc is used to confirm you have the game, then you download the digital version of the game that includes, what we assume, is some sort of software emulation package.

It's right on the BC page: http://www.xbox.com/en-us/x...

"For disc-based games that are a part of the Back Compat game catalog, simply insert the disc and the console will begin downloading the game to your hard drive. "

I question people arguing the benefits of BC who haven't even read how it works...

[gangsta_red]

Aaaahhh, okay. I still don't think that getting a used game that someone else may have downloaded will block you but it is worth asking.

[Rocky5]

@Gangsta_red

The only purpose of the disc is to validate the digital version of the game, it's basically identical to how the XB1 validates it's native games.

Xbox one disc games.
Insert disc, install to hdd, leave disc in the drive to validate license.

Xbox 360 disc games.
Insert disc, download digital version, leave disc in the drive to validate license.

I tried taking the disc out, but you get the usual if you own this game error.

[Number-Nine]

one offers free gaming of previous gen games, and the other charges you monthly.

I don't think that's good for you sony

[Letthewookiewin]

PSN now was always geared at people with no systems at all.

[Letthewookiewin]

I'm not defending PSN Now in any way I don't use it but Sony has people playing PS3 games on Blu-Ray players, streamer boxes and Sony & Samsung TV's, I'm pretty sure that's what their end game was more that getting people to play PNow on PS4's. That's what they're doing different, I don't think it's better than what MS is doing.

[DeadManMMX]

Ditto I have a huge 360 backlog that I'm still working through. The big difference between Ps2 and Ps3 is the huge leap in graphics. This time were jumping from HD console generation to HD console generation. Yes some of the games look way better in current gen but its not nearly the jump it was before. So I actually spend a pretty decent amount of time on my 360 and Ps3. For me to have access to all of my games and all of the digital content I paid for is an absolute boon. There is NO downside to this. It's ridiculous to even try to come up with one.

[ManAnimalX]

Its not as simple as MS makes it sound.

http://www.forbes.com/sites...

Sony being in the games making business, would know better. And you can understand too.

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

Backwards compatibility means your old games play in the old console. Isn't this like PS Now where Sony has that monetized and under their digital control. Any old game you have already paid for and not going to cost you anymore with BC?

Still Love the way Xbox loves ya! Great time to get both systems. Vive la difference!

[Trekster_Gamer]

Sony them cheap bastards removed PS2 compatibility because the PS2 was still flying off the shelves!

Sony removed feature after feature with the ps3 but Sony fans just take it and ask for more!

Xbox 360 only added features and made the UI even better!

Just like with the XB1, MS listens to there fan-base and acts on it!

KUDOS MS!

[otherZinc]

Wow! That's 1 arrogant dude! If a M$ rep said something that stupid; the media & Sony crowds across the would would demand his head on a plater with a rotten apple in his friggin mouth!

[UKmilitia]

im in the ps beta in uk for psnow.
up until a few days ago it was free to trial gamnes.

now its £4.99 for 3 days or £9.99 for 30 days.
i could buy a ps3 for £50 locally and then get the games for £3-7 each on disc.
PSNOW is a ripp off imo and i have now uninstalled it.

[HumanatPlay]

I notice a lot of 3rd party games in your list. Wise move would be to play all that on a PC and save your PS4 for exclusives.

[r1sh12]

its been ages since I commented, The difference is with Sony's way of doing the compatibility, I wonder if a user will have to rent/pay for the older game?
Whereas with xbox if you have it on disc just load it up (assuming its supported)

[greenmiker]

Compatibility was always a nice addition to the console I used to have. Sony has to think of it...

[TLG1991]

suppose they could in theory do a similar thing and give PSnow games free to people if they have already owned it or put the disc in. in theory apart from actually downloading it, its the same thing

[Why o why]

yep...massive score for MS... Great for their fans and hopefully a kick up the backside for sony.

I also don't believe the BC is as simple as some would have us believe. Despite any potential issues, Its a great move.

[MysticStrummer]

I'm not sure how massive it is. There will obviously be people who love and take advantage of it, but just speaking for myself and the gamers I personally know none of us made use of backwards compatibility with PS2 or PS3. That said, as a simple comparison between PS Now and what MS is doing, PS Now comes up short.

[kraenk12]

Honestly..I would never sell my PS3 anyway although I hardly replay games on old platforms. This feature makes little sense to me. I still think Sony should think about making pre-owned games playable for free on PSnow which would solve the problem some people have with it imho.

[Gazondaily]

For me its the opposite. My old consoles take up a lot of space. Comparatively, their ui is slow and unwieldy and don't benefit from other features that next gen ones do.

My PS4 and X1 are my primary consoles. The others just take up space. If I am on X1 I can party chat with all my other mates as I play a 360 game as if it is an X1 game. I assume suspend and resume will work (haven't tested it yet).

Its just the ease of it all and a big reason not to shell out for remasters unless the particular game is remastered very well or offers something significant over the 360 version.

It boils down to cost, easy of use and other features. Twitch streaming my old games is going to be possible etc. Loads of things really. Each to their own though.

[Professor_K]

Old consoles will not last for ever, same could be said for their hard disk space. Also frame rate/ res issues get nicely minimized thanks to next gen hardware(if the game has any) there are many other benefits to playing old games on new gen consoles.

[LoveSpuds]

Every now and then I get an urge to play a PS3 game but as the generation moves forward this will become even less frequent.

I have no difficuly in beleiving that most people rarely use backwards compatibility, most of my friends sell their games upon completion anyway.

I personally play most games at least twice before putting them on the shelf but again, most of my pals play a game once before moving on. I feel like backwards compatibility is a 'would like' feature more than a 'must have'.

All credit to MS for implementing it but I dont think it matters as much some think it does.

[starchild]

The success of HD collections and remasters proves that there are a lot of people that enjoy playing older games.

Backwards compatibility has always been important to me. I don't have the room to keep my old consoles hooked up to my TV and in some cases they don't even work any more. But I still have many favorite games that I like to return to, and there are many great older games I never got around to playing that are still on my need-to-play list.

[LoveSpuds]

I dont think that remasters prove there is a desire to play old games per se, it is the chance to replay upgraded versions of favourite games that attracts the sales.

I have access to pretty much the whole ps3 library but the idea of playing much improved versions of, for example, Uncharted is what I find irresistible.

As for your personal circumstances, I am not saying that Backwards Compatibility isnt desirable, but its absence didnt stop you buying the new console, like I said, its a 'would like' rather than a 'must have' in my opinion.

[Professor_K]

True but every so now and then there is a drought of fun in your library, you get the urge to play a classic.

I got sick of playing cod so i plugged in my ps2 one day and played tribes with my friends in co op

[Shazz]

Well I have been.playing mass effect and geometry wars 2 and I must say its fantastic

[icerob]

A little late, but I like it!

Also.. why can i still not play my own music on xbox one when i play games? and NO..Snap is not the same! Not until I can say HIDE SNAP.

[Xb1ps4]

I know..... We shouldn't have to lose a quarter of the screen! And more ui customization would be nice.

[Antwan3k]

Background music (without Snap) is coming with the Xbox One Windows 10 update..

[Wikkid666]

Use the Xbox music app. Put all your music on Onedrive.

[icerob]

does that help me play my own music while playing games without using SNAP?

[cfc83]

I'd play a few games from 360. I'm thinking battlefield 3 and max payne 3 for starters. I also think gold should be unified across platforms. I couldn't get a gold game discount on 360, despite having gold on xb1.

[Team_Litt]

Making people pay for games they already own via PSNow and making it easy for greedy/lazy publishers/devs to make a quick buck via remasters. Yeah that is different.

[WeAreLegion]

What are you talking about? PS Now is a large catalog of PS3 games that people can play. It's for people who want to play those games. Specifically people who DON'T own those games. I don't think you've ever tried PS Now.

[justlikeme]

What Sony should do is allow players who own the games already play it through PSNow for free, the games they don't own they can pay for the service. It would be similar to what MS is doing. Not holding my breath on that though.

[jay2]

Good............ if only 18 games are BC as the current list is now, I'd leave it. NOW needs fixing but would be amazing. I'd have everything on psn and if you have trophies/saves you could just re-download it.

[ScorpiusX]

So what was the point of PS Now, if gamers use such functions .

[JasonChalker]

the playstation fanboys will gladly pay for it.

[MysticStrummer]

Nice fanboy generalization there, but I'm a PS fanboy and I won't pay for it. Once I move to a new generation I don't generally look back. Never used the backwards compatibility I had with PS2 or PS3, and have no interest in PS Now unless they put PS4 games on there I want to play.

[SakataXGintoki]

Think most people under the misconception of complete backwards compatibility forgot the clause which was so deviously hidden which said "backwards compatibility with the publisher's permission.". So, yeah. If you think they're going to let you play 360 exclusives while the remastered version of Halo exists and Gears of War remastered is about to be shipped, you don't know first thing about how business works. (the proof is in the pudding, look at the released backwards compatible titles).

Besides, PS4 HAS been backwards compatible with ps3.. just not locally. You can stream it via cloud on Playstation Now, it depends on your internet and is expensive (which is total bs and something I believe needs fixed) but it does not eat any space. The major reason however ps4 can't do local backwards compatibility is because the architecture of the two consoles are so different that they're incompatible. PS 4 could almost be released with a different console name. it was made with an architecture similar to PC so that third-party studios find it easier to go dual platform. I suggest people watch this video of Mark Cerny's road to PS4. It's really great and will avoid further pointless debate on this topic.

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[jv1991]

Then give us externall hdd sony plz

[etownone]

So..

Does that mean..

Xbox 360 Games for Gold will be playable for xb1 also?

[NeoGamer232]

If they make the BC list they will be available as you own them digitally. (As long as you are a gold member).

[etownone]

Yeab.. I understand that, but Games. For Gold has nothing to do with games you already own.

if they are giving the full game for Gold members.... Then the 360 games might be free on xb1 also.

[Antifan]

At least give me my digital titles back. There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to play them on the new system. That's complete bs. Money is why.

[WeAreLegion]

Or the architectures are completely different?

[Paleblood]

I see 2 different strategies

On X1
1 check if the game you want to play is supported first. Not all are supported.

2 if you don't own that game, you have to buy a physical copy of an old game and then play it.

On PS4
1 Go to the store, find the game you want to play
Rent it and stream it.

2 different approaches, both have pros and cons.

At the end, this are good to have features, they will not make people run to buy the console on masses.

[hangdang]

I find it in poor taste when Sony charges me to play a game I already own. Microsoft has the better approach here and there isn't even a debate.

[JasonChalker]

anyone who disagrees isnt using logic. Ps4 should implement the ability to read ps3 disks and unlock the game on PSNow or else just shut the service down because its not competing with MS

[hangdang]

Shutting the service down is also silly because it's their goal to get the psnow service. on platforms other than playstation, but as a BC solution, it sucks

[JasonKCK]

The difference is strategies is one is free and the other isn't.

[ger2396]

It's a good option to have, that's for sure. Although, I don't think it'll get used by the majority of gamers.

[Nodoze]

No Sony it is not good you are doing a different thing here. WE WANT THIS. It is too late now for this gen, but instead of focusing on monetizing your back catalog, focus on making this happen for the PS5.

Got it?

[saimcheeda]

Because I dont see the point behind HD remasters, I'm never going to buy them because I've played the games already. So playing the games free of cost on the new console is a better option. Although in my opinion both backwards compatibility and remasters are a step back. We should focus on new games, not playing the old ones again!

[Darkwatchman]

I actually like the remasters because if I can get the same exact great game as before only with better graphics, better framerate, more content, etc...what logic is there in wanting the inferior version? After playing The Last of Us on PS4, there is no way in HELL I could ever imagine playing it on PS3. It renewed my interest and enjoyment of that game with all the DLC I never bought, better graphics, and higher framerate.

I also got Tomb Raider Definitive Edition as my first PS4 game when I got my ps4 August of last year. It blew me away visually and it felt like a true step forward in technology over last gen. After experiencing such a good game with equally impressive visuals which add to a game like that about adventure and action, I would not want to play the PS3/XBox 360 versions. It simply wouldn't have had the same impact as an overall experience because the better graphics and extra effects really added more to the heightened scenes of action and all the set pieces. They made them much more dramatic and intense. It wouldn't have been the same if I was stuck on console only experiencing the last gen version. Remasters are a good thing.

It's like the video formats. VHS, Laser Disc, DVD, Blu-Ray, etc.. Every time a new higher quality format came out did everyone not buy their favorite movies on the new format? It's the same movie but the vastly improved picture and audio quality of blu-Ray movies really give them a new lease on life that previous formats just couldn't. It's the same concept here. I love remasters(of games that are worthy and good enough) and I will continue to buy enhanced version of games instead of being stuck with now technically unimpressive version when there are better versions out there. I know for sure I'm getting The DISHONORED Defintive Edition because I loved the game on Xbox 360. It was one of my favorites of last gen, but I never bought the DLC. It releases this August remastered and with all DLC for $40. OF COURSE I'm hopping on that.

Last gen had a lot of remasters too. I had a backwards compatible PS3 AND a ps2. Guess what. I still bought the God of war collection, sly collection, ico and shadow of the colossus collections. You know why? Because they were better versions of already great games. I remember buying the ps2 copies of ico and shadow of the colossus when the PS3 remasters were announced because I wanted to experience them beforehand. I enjoyed them. Then, the collection was bought day 1 and ico was almost a completely new experience. It look dramatically sharper because the ps2 original ran at a sub native resolution of something like 320x240. The jump in resolution for that game revealed so many details and so much beauty in the art design I never noticed before. Shadow of The Colossus did also look better, but what made it so much more amazing on PS3 was the improved framerate in addition to the better clarity. The ps2 version was certainly not stable framerate wise. Remasters are a good thing. They gave a new lease on classics like that and they will continue to renew interest in games because they are better versions of the same game.

[Dragonking007]

For ps4 it makes sense why they cant do backwards compatibility due to ps3 games were built on a whole different processor then the ps4 so native backwards compatibility is impossible however they hsve delivered decent service with ps now I only got 13mbps and games run pretty good and loading times are solid, it makes a lot of sense tho to because you dont need to buy ps3 games and you dont need to download the games you just play them there, also those people coming from xbox would benefit from this due to them selling there system and games so a good decent back catalogue is there like bioshock infinite, most ps3 exclusives like uncharted trilogy god of war saga, sly series, infamous series, sure nothing beats having to put in disc and load game instantly but im sure sony will look into this because sony taken long time to port ps2 games to ps3 digital download so ms kinda in same spot as sony was couple years ago...

[Antwan3k]

Only a blind PS4 fanboy would agree with Sony on this one..

On one hand, you have to pay for a streaming, rental of a supported PS3 game with limited access to PS4 features like Twitch streaming/sharing, etc. Even if you already own the game, you still have to pay for the rental and the quality is dependent on your internet speeds.. Once the rental expires, the game is gone until you pay again..

On the other hand, if you own the supported 360 game, you can play it on your Xbox One for free. Period. Complete with all the bells and whistles of your Xbox One (streaming/sharing, split screen, etc.) and also support for cross-platform online play with the 360. It will be running natively on your console, no need for an internet stream. Once you download the game, it's yours.. forever..

On what planet are these two things "different, but equal" or "it just depends on preference"?..

[funkybudda]

the difference is, PS Now offer you the flexibility to use it as an extension on a different TV, away from your console. Have fun moving your Xbox One with BC to a different TV or monitor, I am sure it's great exercise.

While I disagree with the PS Now pricing plan, but it's pretty easy to see the difference of PS Now vs BC on Xbox One.

Sony can counter the BC feature with better pricing plan, perhaps more incentives for PS+ subscribers.

[Antwan3k]

Xbox 360 games can be streamed to any Windows 10 PC just like Xbox One games.. Meaning I can play those games remotely on my desktop or tablet which nullifies your incredibly weak counter-argument..

Next excuse?..

Again, in no world (except for Sony Fanboyland) does a paid streaming rental trump owning the game on your HDD.. native backwards compatibility DESTROYS paying to rent a stream via PS Now. PERIOD.

[Picnic]

They'd have to replicate the Cell, much harder and more expensive than the Xbox One being able to play Xbox360 games.

From Sony's point of view, and from the point of view of loyal Sony players who actually owned and kept their PS3, it would be a waste of resources. Plus it would eat in to the need to buy remasters.

If people didn't own a PS3 in the first place or have traded it in, then that's their lookout. There's PSNow and remasters.
And you need BC as well? Overkill- at a cost to Sony that would eat in to their ability to bring so many new games.

[ghostface9]

Wow this is hilarious playstation tried to screw you over by having you pay more than what it costs to buy the game to stream a crappier version to your ps4. Xbox comes in and gives backwards compatibility so you can eventually play most of your old xbox 360 titles without having to pay a dime, and yet people still on this website are hating on them it just never ends with you people.

[kingdom18]

I can't understand people who actually try to put a negative spin on MS' BC announcement, its a great feature and can only benefit gamers! I don't know about everyone else but if I had the option I would prefer to be able to play my last gen games on my new consoles rather than having the old one sit out collecting dust aside from those times I decided to go back and play some games from a backlog. I also realize that this might be more difficult for Sony with the PS3's Cell Processor, so now is the time to reform PS Now, make it a better alternative to any form of native BC, which still isn't as good for all gamers as even if they improve the cost it still requires a ethernet connection to a high speed internet connection, and even then your at mercy to Sony's servers (we have 50Mbs, but the PS4 rarely gets near 10Mbs when testing the connection), so this just screws people who still have dial-up or low quality broadband.

[fullmetal297]

It be fair Microsoft tried to con their consumers out of trading their games and that always online DRM bullcrap, and Sony took full advantage of that situation. Now Microsoft firing back and taking advantage of Sony's lack luster attempt to con their consumers to paying for games they already bought.

[Skankinruby]

This is neat, but will seldom be used even by the people praising it. I have a ps3 and have no plans to get rid of it as do many others so backwards compatibility is just another cool feature, but by no means a selling point

[nitus10]

Backwards compatibility is a very good selling point for next generation consoles on their initial release since it usually means people can still play their old games while waiting for the next gen library to be built up.

Of course you also have to look at the mindset of the gamer. If you have a gamer that just likes playing the latest game and has no interest in older games then backwards compatibility is pointless to them. On the other hand if you have a gamer that still likes to play older games as well as new games then BC is very desirable for them.

If the PS4 was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games I would have made almost a day one purchase. Of course if it could play PS3 games as well I would most likely have sold off my PS3. This of course did not happen and I have yet to purchase a PS4 since I have quite allot of PS2 and PS3 games I still enjoy playing on my BC PS3 (some I have not finished yet).

[OC_MurphysLaw]

If its not such a greatly used feature Sony...why did you spend billions to buy a company and use there tech to make a system that is dedicated to this feature?

[Evoluti0n]

Got 'em!

I've been waiting for BC for quite awhile now. Props to MS for making it happen.

[airshiraz]

if anyone like to play old games he must get a pc .it has backward compatibility and every games have remaster edition for example u can play all of them on 4k resolution.

[hangdang]

I wish Sony took Microsoft's approach to BC. Charging me to play games I already own is ridiculous and why I will never use PSNow

[IamTylerDurden1]

Right, bc u own all 100 plus games on ps now...

Backwards compatibility means Zippo to me, here's why...bc i still own my last gen systems!!! This ingenious tactic allows me to play every game i own and to not have to wait 2 years for a handful of games that i may or may not have, to be emulated. Multiple hdmi ins on my TV(s) makes it quite convenient. I literally have 2 TVs next to each other so i can have two games on at once, i'm weird.

I never understand why ppl immediately trade in their last gen systems. Funny thing is i play my next gen systems over 90% of the time but just in case it's nice to know i can play anything. The 60 dollar trade in just isn't worth it imo.

I'd rather my company focus on next gen looking games than emulating old ugly games.

[fullmetal297]

You're implying that everyone has money to spend on having two TVs and space for this to happen. Why spend +300 on another TV and inconvenience of switching between the two when you can have an up to date console that can play the modern games along with older titles.

Furthermore, if you already spent 400 and another 300 on a TV then why not use that money to build a PC so you play ANY game ever made for Windows.

[txboy05]

I dont see why BC is such a big deal. There is only a handful of old games people want to play. Once people get their fix of whatever 2 or 3 games they wont use it again anyway. Besides who wants to play old games, its like choosing to watch a black and white TV over a color TV. These new games look so much better and have way more content.

[Evoluti0n]

SMH at anybody that tries to turn this into a negative, seriously.

[danny818]

Sony basically said. its great they are doing things differently but we'd rather charge suckers for them via psnow

[NeoGamer232]

I think people have to get a few things straight.

The PS4 has ZERO backwards compatibility. I cannot take a disc from the PS3 and put it in a PS4 and play any games. Also, I cannot download anything I purchased digitally on PS3 and play it on a PS4. The only way to play past gen games on PS4 is through PS Now.

PS Now is a service to play games through over the Internet. It is not backwards compatibility. The catalogue today happens to be past games. But, there is not anything stopping them from putting new games in the service (They may have already done this, I wouldn't know because I got rid of my PS4).

To me, the BC announced by MS gives gamers options. It is free (to Gold members) so you don't have to use it if you don't want to.

People can say they wouldn't use it, or it is not important to them, but that is the same comments that people made about EA Access when it first appeared and now many Sony fans want the service but Sony said EA Access does not provide gamers with value. Gamers fought hard at the start of the generation against MS deciding how we should play games, yet Sony is deciding now for their gamers and many people are just rolling over and taking it up the a--.

When I log into my X1, typically a third of gamers also logged in on my friends list are on a 360. So, saying that people don't play 360 anymore is pure BS. There are a lot of gamers that have not moved to next gen yet. 275 million consoles were sold last gen. This gen, there are only about 40 million consoles sold. MS has sold about 10-13 million based on who's numbers you believe. Yet, they sold over 80 million last generation. That means that there is a potential of 67-70 million console owners who have games and may want to play them on X1 and have not yet bought a X1.

This is all about options and corporations telling us what we can and cannot do. I am happy MS is now listening to gamers and giving me options. Gamers should be happy for this feature on all sides, because it may end up helping Sony gamers get the same options.

[SolidAhmed]

Although I respect Sony's prospective on backward compatibility. Yet, I believe that it doesn't apply on PS3 case. Simply due to the fact that there is not a much technical leap between PS4 and PS3!

[thricetold]

This site is hilarious. BC is gonna be a key part of MS having a strong going this holiday season as sony once again sits back on their laurels because all their fanboys are singing their praise they think the battle is over.

No big exclusives coming out this year crappy psnow that's a complete rip off and MS firing big shots their way. Gonna be a long generation me thinks.

[CertifiedGamer]

The only reason the PS4 fans aren't getting it while Xbox One does is one word Nvidia. Emulation is easier on Xbox one because AMD makes both Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Since AMD made the PS4 then Sony would have to pay Nvidia for permission to use their code to emulate PS3 on PS4 than Microsoft would to AMD. I also think the reason Microsoft is doing this is because they are going to discontinue the 360. Sony on the other hand has no plans of retiring the PS3 until the PS5 goes into production.

[kstuffs]

I think the biggest question is how did they emulate the 3.2 GHz PowerPC Tri-Core Xenon instruction set without using anything except the binary they already have. It doesn't look like they even have the source code. When the XB1 and the PS4 was initially released, no one expected them to offer BC because emulation of one hardware to another is computationally very difficult and expensive. Granted, MS has the insides-and-out of the X360, but it's still puzzling that they were able to pulled this off. Many, many people and experts thought that there was NO WAY the XB1 or PS4 can do emulation of the PowerPC or Cell.

[JasonKCK]

360 is BC with Xbox and Xbox had an Nvidia GPU.

[Azzanation]

This sounds like Sony defending the point MS threw a punch and Sony didn't know how to block it. They researched, invested and built a paid Streaming service and MS countered it very well. Judging from the crowds reactions they did it VERY WELL.

Its interesting seeing the punches go the other way now. Considering everyone jumped on Sonys and now BC is available on X1 and not on PS4.

This guy just sounds like his making excuses and Sony know they cant drop PS Now to follow MS on this one.

[Tesal]

What I fear is ... PS now will take years and years before it reaches all countries with full list of games.

I fear it will be the end of PS4/Xbox one cycle at then.

Even so if they did better, not all countries got high connections.

so, Backward is a key and extra plus for both players/Sony/Dev

I hope Sony will allow Backward for PS3/PS2/PS1 games sooner than later.

[Cherchez La Ghost]

I finally realize now when Mr. Nelson stated in 2013 that XB1 was built for the future. None of us was aware about the potential that Windows 10 was going to do for all devices. When was the last time for us as gamers that had one console in our entire lives that got consistent updates every month catered by the request from the consumers?!

Backwards compatibility is now here and people scoffing it?!! Really??!

[prof573v3]

I would like BC for PS. Got a couple of ps2 games that you just cant get a ps3/4 version .My ps3 60gb has died and I would get a ps2 to play the games if I didn't have to get the controlers too.

[Condemnedman]

I do love it how some are trying to downplay bc on the xbox. It probably won't be perfect but I tried two games and they worked fine. I love this idea I still have loads of xbox 360 games to play and I'm happy if I can do this on the one. Good job MS

[PhoenixUp]

Sony tried to convince us that rumble wasn't a great feature, they even called it last gen tech. Don't buy into their PR BS

[DeadManMMX]

Man looking at this comment thread is madness. BC is a wonderful thing period. Yes the publishers can say no but then the internet crucifies them for being greedy. Seriously if I purchased Dragon Age 2 digitally I should be able to play it on the new console with BC. It feels like a no brainer but I forsee at least one publisher being stubborn. If they want to remake it that is something entirely different and would definitely have sales merit if done right.

[zarbor]

Gamers are some of the stupidest consumers. When I stated that buying remakes is a money grab, many had all kinds of negative comments. When I stated that BC was possible and not doing it was a money grab, many claimed that it different consoles architecture and BC would be too difficult near impossible and that's why it was not done.

Nevermind BC already was happening on Playstation Now but you have to pay for it. Now that its free on XBOX1, people are now calling remakes and PSNow a money grab.

Geniuses.

[kstuffs]

Technically PS Now is not "backward compatible" as it depends on a continuous Internet connection. It appears the XB1 needs to connect to the Internet just once to download the binary, and as long as the game doesn't require online functions, then the game will be able to run offline.

And you are right. Many people and expert said BC is not possible with AMD Jaguar. And here we are...

[BabyTownFrolics]

Hopefully all future 360 game with gold games will be bc.

[WizzroSupreme]

If you don't like backwards compatibility, then don't play any old games on your new system. Your choice. I sure wanna catch up on all the 360 games I missed on my One since I never had a 360 myself. Dead Rising 1-2 and Lost Odyssey are at the top of that list.

[XanderZane]

100+ games before Christmas? I'm in. I already own about 200+ XBox 360 games anyways. Now I'll be able to play them on my XB1 and delete them off my XBox 360. I'm happy for this.

[chuckyj1]

And yet you receive a Thumbs down? What in your comment would make someone "thumbs down" it?

[chuckyj1]

The ONLY people attacking this service are PlayStation haters.

There is NO reason to attack this service. If you own the game it's free if you don't you can purchase it.

Sure waiting for games to get emulated may be a pain, but from my understanding the Xbox 360 emulated games think it's being played on a 360 so they don't have to recode the game. MS Simply needs to get permission to add the game to the service. So the catalog should grow rather quickly.

You will either use the service or not use it. I would much rather have the choice to play 360 games straight from my X1 than not having that option.. Why wouldn't you?

Just like PS4 owners would much rather want to play PS3 games straight from their PS4s without having to "rent" or subscribe to PlayStation Now or PAYING for games they already own....

No reason to attack every feature especially if it's a useful one, just because you don't own the console.

And if it was the #1 requested feature I don't see a "very Few" people using it. It will also allow the companies to further profit from their older titles. It's a win-win situation.

[Kingoftherodeo]

just give me red dead and mw2 by the end of this year ill be happy.