190°

How Nintendo Does Backwards Compatibility Better Than Microsoft and Sony

Are console manufactures increasingly looking towards backwards compatibility to bulk out a thin selection of next-gen games?

While the focus to provide next-gen access to legacy games is on Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo, arguably the weakest of the three console manufacturers in terms of its future games line-up, has of course been pursuing a policy of backwards compatibility for years via its Virtual Console download service.

Read Full Story >>
gamestm.co.uk
NeverStopGaming4021d ago

It is the least they could do since there are no 3rd party games to play on the Wii U.

zero_gamer4021d ago

And plenty of first party games to play on the Wii U.

LOL_WUT4021d ago

Besides SSB i'm more interested in their 2015 lineup. They also need to release a better selection of VC games atba faster rate because dogeball, and tennis doesn't cut it. ;)

wonderfulmonkeyman4021d ago

I bet you're one of those people that drools over the indie title no man's sky, then conveniently forgets that Indies count as good third party support when someone mentions the selection on wii u.
If you can't find good third party title on the wii u, you aren't looking hard enough.

InTheLab4021d ago

You totally made up a point that has nothing to do with what was actually said...

Very defensive here.

wonderfulmonkeyman4021d ago

@ Lab
My point refers to his statement that there's no third party games on Wii U, so it's actually not made up at all.
Try reading next time.

deafdani4020d ago (Edited 4020d ago )

Yup, I personally don't see any indie game coming soon for Wii U that looks as impressive or interesting or ambitious as No Man's Sky.

And to be clear, I'm not shitting on indie games. I love some of them, like Runner 2, Trine 3, Super Meat Boy, VVVVVV, Mutant Mudds, Limbo and 'Splosion Man.

As for the upcoming Wii U indie games, I still haven't seen many that have truly gotten my attention, sadly, except for Guacamelee and maybe Shantae. Oh, and Shovel Knight!

And that's because I personally am already pretty fed up with 2D sidescrollers. That's a great gaming genre, but we're way too saturated with these kinds of games nowadays, and I want to take a break from them for a while.

randomass1714020d ago

@deafdani Well there's always A Hat in Time. A Wii U version isn't guaranteed, but the dev team is trying really hard to make it happen. Shantae looks really pretty and the Wii U is getting both of the Oddworld HD remakes as well. Sure they're all multiplat, but they're not bad games to own on Wii U, especially if they are expected to run just as well on Wii U as on any platform.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4020d ago
darthv724021d ago

i have plenty of 3rd party games to play on the Wii-u. It just happens that they are wii games but they do play on the wii-u.

KakashiHotake4021d ago (Edited 4021d ago )

Backwards compatibility is a little overrated in my opinion. It only has value in a consoles launch cycle. If you want to play old games then just keep your old console. PS Now is also a viable source if you want to experience the past.

mikel10154021d ago

See why would I pay outrageously every month for a terrible excuse for the lack of BC when I can get BC when I get the console from the start?

Revolver_X_4020d ago

So the PS4 being a completely different architecture from PS3 is a terrible excuse? Do you even get that concept or are you just a mindless drone?

zero_gamer4021d ago (Edited 4021d ago )

Backward compatibility is dead. In its place comes $60 remasters and subscription services. BC was cheaper and better than the modern solutions.

KakashiHotake4021d ago

I agree that was better but as technology improves it's harder and more expensive to continue running old hardware on new hardware.

randomass1714021d ago

What? PCs do it just fine and Wii U is running games from several past generations on it and the list is only going to get higher.

LamerTamer4020d ago (Edited 4020d ago )

@randomass171

That is because PC architecture is BC by nature, they all use X86 and Windows with compatible libraries etc.

Nintendo can do it because they too use a similar architecture. The Wii U is a buffed up Wii which is a buffed up GameCube. They all use Power PC CPUs and ATI GPUs. Anything pre GC they just emulate in software.

With the X1 and PS4 it is different. It is not some big conspiracy by the Bilderburgs or Illuminati to rip you off. The architecture is just way too different. The new consoles use 1.6-1.7 GHz X86. The 360 uses a 3.2 GHz tri core PowerPC, the PS3 a 3.2 GHz PowerPC based cell CPU. To emulate a different CPU you need a CPU many times faster than the one you are emulating. As you see the current gen actually runs slower so emulation not possible. The reason they switched CPU types is because AMD could make a SoC with everything on one die, and because devs are more familiar with X86 and standard type GPUs.

Because the hardware is so different the only way to run older games would be to actually include PS3 hardware in the PS4. Of course that adds cost and people would complain about the extra $100, especially if they don't care about BC. PS1 is so old that software emulation is no problem. PS2 is harder but still it could be possible.

Concertoine4021d ago

It is a nice thing to have. The thought of having to keep this bigass 360 hooked up even after i get an xbone just to play the 40 games i have on 360 is a little disheartening.

That said BC has been on the way out. Whereas Ps2 had almost flawless BC, PS3 has limited. Also the 360 had dodgy BC.

thereapersson4021d ago

Most rational comment I've read on this article. Though I will admit that I would keep my PS3 hooked up anyway due to the current lack of media functions on the PS4. My PS4 doesn't work with my amplifier due to it (the amplifier) only utilizing analog inputs. I have to get a D/A converter for my PS4, which is annoying.

Deadpoolio4021d ago

It wasn't almost flawless...It was perfect, PS2 had PS1 guts inside it...And the 20gb/60GB PS3s had PS2 guts inside of them, until people cried about the price and they needed to find a cheaper solution or remove it...MS didn't do any better with BC some Xbox games still barely work on 360 and their claim about making every original Xbox game BC was a lie since they dropped that 2 months later.....

I think some people have a difficult time grasping just what it takes to get a old game to play on a new console

mydyingparadiselost4021d ago (Edited 4021d ago )

Playing those old games is reliant on having the old console that will play those games. My Xbox died shortly before getting a 360, my PS2 died before getting a PS3. With the older cartridge based consoles it wasn't as big of a deal, I still easily find working SNES,NES and Genesis consoles but with all the intricate parts and focus on making things cheaper instead of quality oriented it's not realistic anymore to think my console is going to work that far into the next gen.
I don't want to have to track down another console every time my old one breaks because the industry wants to push buying their new games instead of letting me play the old ones.

Summons754021d ago

Psnow won't be a viable resource. They already said it will be 3-20/game you rent. Why do that when I can play Skyward Sword and Galaxy 2 on my WiiU anytime I want and not pay a dime? I still have my Ps3 for now (but you never know when it could die just like any system) but why should I leave my old library to collect dust when the PS4 CAN identify a PS3 game, They should honestly allow PSnow to let you play you're PS3 games for free ONLY if you have the disc in the system.

In 2014 there honestly isn't a reason we can have backward compatibility for physical AND digital purchases. We spend hundreds of dollars per generation for what just for them to tell us we need to dish out extra money for the games we already own plus all the new ones? BC doesn't affect price and it doesn't take away from software sales, so what is the real reason MS and Sony are afraid of it when Nintendo had no problem doing it?

hkgamer4021d ago

its a lot easier for nintendo to do bc since their hardware is similar to the older generations. wii was basically gc x2.... not sure if wii and wii u have similar architectures, but i guess wii components are cheap atm.

would be nice if sony released a complete playstation where we could play every single playstation game released.

randomass1714021d ago

Don't forget the latency issues that are currently plaguing game streaming. I truly do not feel that internet speeds are at a point where you can justify charging $4/hour to stream data instead of selling actual game downloads.

IonDestroy4020d ago (Edited 4020d ago )

@hkgamer

Wii U is capable of executing gamecube code however the lack of an actual way to play them is the problem. Of course, that's not to say that the Wii U killed GC backwards compatibility, as the Wii, after a few revisions, had the same problem: lack of interface.

The Wii's "Broadway" chip is based around the Gamecube's "Gekko" chip. In the same vein the Wii U's "Espresso" chip is based around Broadway; the three consoles all share quite a bit with one another. Given the limitations it's quite fun to see what Nintendo can do with the hardware in terms of compatibility, maybe we'll see Gamecube VC games soon.

LamerTamer4020d ago (Edited 4020d ago )

@hkgamer

Yes the Wii and Wii U are similar. The whole family are PowerPC CPUs with ATI GPUs. They are put together similar too.

@IonDestroy

Actually the reason the Wii U can't run GC games is kind of simple. The disk drive of the Wii U can't read the smaller GC discs! The tray style loader is gone. The software part to run GC could be done. That is basically it, and I guess Nintendo didn't want to invest in a special drive to accept the small format.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4020d ago
hkgamer4021d ago

yeah, it varies depending on different people.

im pretty sure a lot of people prefer having one console in front of their console instead of a whole bunch.

i dont really mind not being able to play ps3 games. but its hard to not be annoyed about my digital psn games. i mean games such as sega classics or scott pilgrim.

what happened to ps2 emulation rumors for the ps4? got pretty excited about that.

MNGamer-N4021d ago

Nah backwards compatibility is great, because I can now get rid of my wii system and keep all mah games.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4020d ago
MCTJim4021d ago (Edited 4021d ago )

lets call it what it is..a pay service. If I own the game, I slip it in the new console and I can play it. That is what backwards compatibility is. This PS Now and Virtual Console is not backwards compatibility.

I personally just keep the other systems hooked up and if I want to play older games on last gen, I just turn those on.

hkgamer4021d ago

yeah backwards compatibility should mean being able to play a game that works on the original console aswell as the new console. so vita is basically 50% bc .

Wni04021d ago

By releasing the same games with better graphics for 3+ generations yeah

zero_gamer4021d ago

Like Sony and MS are now doing?

Wni04021d ago

I didnt know Uncharted and Gears were from playstation 1 era

Gemmol4021d ago

People who say they do not care for backwards compatibility is liars, when Sony drop the ps2, everyone was happy they could play their ps1 games, but now that Sony and Microsoft drop it, they make up all types of reasons to say they do not like it either......its just like the article yesterday about Sony moving their focus off the vita to the ps4/playstation TV/Playstation Now......if you look at comments all over the internet, all the vita owners are saying well I only like indie games or I only like third party games anyway......this is funny to me.....its just too funny, these people are the true definition of brand loyalty...

Reeze4021d ago

Exactly... When something happens that you dislike, it's ok to voice your opinion. You shouldn't feel like you have to defend something simply because you like the company doing it.

randomass1714021d ago

Hear, hear. Sony's the best IMO, but I'm not for streaming games. I like owning the games I pay for and I don't like that my only option for PS4 backwards compatibility is only streaming and possibly only rentals at that.

plmkoh4021d ago

Who are these 'people' you speak about? I can tell you I don't give a rats ass about Bc and a happily still have my original 2006 60gb launch ps3 still plugged into my TV only having played 2 ps2 games in that 7 year period.

And 'vita owner's? Yeah as a Vita owner I can tell you I ain't one bit happy about the lack of big title games, haven't bought a single indie title on that since I bought mine launch 2011.

Revolver_X_4020d ago

Show me someone who said " I only like indies anyways." Link please. Your stealth trolling is ridiculous . Not everyone cares for BC. When I was a kid sure. I have very limited time to play games, let alone revisiting a 3 year old one. I play a game until platinum or 100% completion and then I move on. Honestly, if your favorite franchises were innovating to your satisfaction you shouldnt feel the need to replay its older rendition. Instead of me wanting to play GoW2 or Syphon Filter, I'd prefer a new one, a new experience. Just because you like playing 1 old ass game a million times, doesnt mean we should.

Gemmol4020d ago

read ign article about the same topic and look at the comments, you will be amazed at what they saying, it is beyond brand loyalty

Show all comments (63)
260°

AMD CEO Shares Vision Behind Xbox Partnership and Next-Gen Chip Roadmap

AMD CEO Lisa Su talks about the Xbox AMD partnership, next-gen Ryzen + Radeon chips, and AI rendering tech coming to all Xbox devices.

Read Full Story >>
clouddosage.com
Obscure_Observer2d ago

AMD is really building hype around their unique partnership with Microsoft to help and build an advanced and seamless Xbox ecosystem across all Xbox consoles and devices.

I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimized chips" though? Seems ambitious.

Next year´s Xbox Showcase already looks promising and exciting. Here´s hoping they deliver.

InUrFoxHole2d ago

They had best show 3yrs in a row. Heading for another

VenomUK2d ago

Obscure_Observer said “I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimised chips" though? Seems ambitious.” To me, I interpret this to mean rather than having a couple of X/S products for launch and a handheld there is a longer term plan to release new products with higher specs at timed intervals. I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec.

Agent751d 23h ago

But Microsoft forgot the games.

KwietStorm_BLM2d ago

It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever.

Ganif2d ago

Correct.

"Sony's PlayStation 6 reportedly will feature an AMD semi-custom APU with a Zen 5 CPU and UDNA GPU, capable of 4K 120FPS and 8K 60FPS gaming. The console will include X3D cache and advanced AI upscaling technology."

https://www.tweaktown.com/n...

Obscure_Observer1d 22h ago

"It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever."

I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released.

Notellin1d 22h ago

You should have just lead this comment with the fact that you have zero understanding of technology in the consoles and instead have a Toms Hardware online forum level of education.

Agent751d 23h ago

But Microsoft forgot the games

Obscure_Observer1d 22h ago

@VenomUK

"I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec."

Very interesting theory. Still not sure how MS would actually make it work.

KwietStorm_BLM1d 18h ago

"I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released."

How old is the tech in consoles? It's not a huge announcement. It's marketing and you know it is.

Obscure_Observer23h ago(Edited 23h ago)

"How old is the tech in consoles? It's not a huge announcement. It's marketing and you know it is."

Dude, what I know for certain is that a tech as old as X3D chips which is actually *older* than both PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, is hardly the reason behind this new partnership between AMD and MS to build new *custom silicon* for next generation of consoles.

And yes it´s a huge announcement since AMD is working closely with MS to co-develop custom SoC which will allow backwards compatibility across all MS´s next gen devices allowing seamless integration between devices and full backwards compatibility across all generations of Xbox consoles.

I also know is that this announcement don´t have anything to do with Playstation and their strategy with AMD for the PS6, so stop comparing the two pretending that you know what´s going on, because you clearly don´t.

If Sony is working on something remotely similar, that´s remain to be seen.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 23h ago
Fishy Fingers2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Some odd, deliberate wording, no branding, not 'Xbox consoles, Xbox handhelds' specifically, feels and sounds like they're building towards hardware that anyone can be used or licensed to/by themselves and other manufacturers.

Multiplatform software and hardware 'Xbox/AMD APU'.

Obscure_Observer2d ago

I guess you missed Sarah Bond´s next generation Xbox announcement this week, were she clearly states:

"I´m thrilled to share that we´ve established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including, *our* next generation *Xbox consoles*."

But hey, I don´t think you´re entirely wrong, maybe MS will build their own Xbox consoles while licencing other manufactures to build and sell their own Xbox branded consoles. Who knows

BeHunted2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

I think you watched the wrong video. It's below the description, or you can watch it directly on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/kprpRvsOua...

HyperMoused2d ago

Shares vision....we provide chips for money, this deal will sell many chips, we will make lots of money...good vision

Christopher2d ago

The marketing behind this is so heavy that I worry about the actual outcome. Why are they just not showing us the product, why all this talking in market speak?

Lightning772d ago

Probably because the next xbox isn't ready to release yet?

The marketing and rumors seem to be heavy out of no where. The rumor was a 27 release but it maybe it could be 26 new console launch instead.

Who knows.

Eonjay2d ago

There PR is alrways super heavy handed. No one is acutally buying an Xbox as is.
Also it is very early to be talking so much about a next gen console.

Obscure_Observer1d 22h ago

There´s a lot of people interested on Xbox Next and its ability to run games from major stores like Steam.

We know that the PS6 is just around the corner as well, but so far, no news on what it might improve over the PS5 or PS5 Pro.

However, Sony already made public that their priority and actual focus is the PS6. So its not "very early" to talk about next gen when the very console manufactures are talking about it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1d 22h ago
Show all comments (39)
470°

Nintendo Switch 2 sales shatters records, most-sold console in 24-hour period

The Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record by selling over 3 million units within 24 hours, tripling the PlayStation 4’s previous launch day sales.

Read Full Story >>
tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai14d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7214d ago (Edited 14d ago )

No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.

The number of SW2 specific titles pales in comparison to the variety of SW1 games that get a performance boost right out of the box on this. And like the SX and PS5 before it, you can bet the majority are going to be using it as a means to better enjoy their existing titles that can benefit.

This may have been quick out of the gate... so was the WiiU. I quite enjoy it for what it is, but am keeping my expectations in check.

GenoPurpel14d ago (Edited 14d ago )

The Switch 2’s price point is great and fine and it’s still cheaper than the current gen of consoles aside from the Series S.

The only place I think they will fall short is their software sales, which also in turn may affect the hardware sales but not significantly. Parents will be fine paying for the system for their kids, but one look at an $80-$90 price tag for a single video game, that is where a lot of people will draw the line. Maybe not so much the people who are in the “willing to pay because I buy deluxe editions anyway” crowd, but for parents specifically, more sacrifices are gonna need to be made in their choices of gifts for their kids.

OtterX14d ago

As a parent of 3 with a very modest income, it was very affordable bc I already had an immense library of games, and the Mario Kart bundle came out to only about €50 more than a standard bundle. Both Zeldas were upgraded w Family Expansion Pass that I already had. Many games were upgraded for free. The only additional game I bought was Fast Fusion for 14.99 which was a great purchase!

Killer2020UK14d ago

People seem to forget that the Switch was $299 at launch which in today's money is roughly $400. That makes the Switch 2 a $50 increase when inflation is taken into account compared to the original.

Yes, people have less spending power on average compared to 2017 (Switch launch year) but this is not the MASSIVE price hike that people are making out Nintendo to be doing.

raWfodog13d ago

“No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.”

It could also be many people rushing to buy to avoid any possible tariff hikes in the future, but I think it’s still a good sign that many people still want physical consoles. Congrats to Nintendo! I’m not getting one at this time though (unless I get it for a Xmas present for one of my kids).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 13d ago
1Victor13d ago

Congratulations Nintendo on finding the happy medium between their weak console and their invincible handheld plus learning from Sony and clearly defining the new console from the old unlike their Wii and Wii U just add a higher number simple yet effective 👍👍

victorMaje14d ago

Are people that keen on $90 games?
Is it true some remasters will also be $90?

DankSinatra14d ago

Tell me you don't research without telling me you don't research.

victorMaje13d ago

Nope. I didn’t research, I don’t own any Nintendo consoles and I had read on here something about $90 games on switch 2, so I guess it’s good now, people can calm down. Have a nice day :)

1nsomniac14d ago

I bought the Switch 2 I won’t be buying games at MK prices. I don’t ever pay over £45 for my games. Even my Nintendo switch exclusives I never paid more than £33 for.

franwex13d ago

I think the typo you put was meant to be $80.
Anyway, the answer to those questions seem to be yes.

victorMaje13d ago

Looks like I’ve been enlightened about the amount. Happy to see it’s not $90.

Sgt_Slaughter12d ago

Don't get your news from clickbait TikTokers/YouTubers, only go to the source (Nintendo) or reliable new outlets like IGN.

No game is $90 on the Switch 2, and they will never go there. Most games will be under $80, too.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 12d ago
gold_drake14d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos14d ago

Its crazy that it's both the highest selling console on day 1 and people can walk into a store and buy it with no pre order

Ashunderfire8614d ago

Yup while I was waiting in line from Best Buy for Switch 2, like I did for Switch 1 back in 2017, every waiting 12am was going to get a Switch 2! I was in the no preorder line too!

My friend manage to get 4 Switch 2s at his GameStop store, that was lowkey not busy at all. Got them all for himself and his family. Super easy to get a Switch 2 over PS5.

Profchaos14d ago

The struggle to get a ps5 was real had mates wait over 2 years for stock i got lucky and got it day 1 but still

Ashunderfire8613d ago

I know and I also struggled getting a preorder for the PS5, when Walmart, Best Buy among other retailers open their preorders a day early before most of us realize it. I got my PS5 launch day thanks to YouTube Live Streamer Jake Randell. He helps people get preorders and launch consoles.

Neonridr13d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8613d ago

It’s funny how I got disagrees for speaking the truth for what I experienced getting the Switch 2. Nintendo had more copies of Switch 2 than Sony for the PS5.

Don’t be butthurt about this very fact. People on here disagreeing with crazy reasons lol

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 13d ago
hiawa2314d ago

Doesn't that mean Nintendo made sure they had plenty of stock available at retail.

Profchaos14d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker14d ago

Yeah, I remember reading an article over two years ago with Nintendo stating that they were going to do all that they could to make sure their next console didn't have the PS5/XBox reseller swiping /no stock fiasco happen to them.

Looks like they made sure production met demand. Refreshing to see that the reseller thing didn't trend and I hope a lot of people who bought multiple units for the sole reason to resell then at $1000 are now stuck with them.

jznrpg13d ago

It also means there isn’t a chip shortage when PS5/Xbox came out during pandemic

gold_drake14d ago

to be where fair, we had a current gen come out during covid ha

repsahj13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

I remembered I tried 7 pre-order events during the PS5 launch. I gave up and ended up buying 1 from a scalper. But now, I already secured 1 pre-order Switch 2 unit in my country very easy and without problems.

Neonridr13d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 13d ago
Terry_B14d ago

Unlike the Switch 2 , the Playstation 4 was not sold on the same day in most regions.

14d ago
Show all comments (77)
210°

Activision Forces Adverts into Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone Loadouts

With the launch of Call of Duty Season 4, Activision quietly put adverts inside loadouts for Black Ops 6 and Warzone, sparking a backlash in the process.

21d ago
21d ago
lukasmain21d ago

Putting Ads in a pay-to-play Premium title? Well done Microsoft. Well done /s This is really scummy.

jjb198121d ago

This game will never change because these sweatlords love buying up all the skins and bundles that become obsolete the following year. They're the ones perpetuating Activision's greed.

VenomUK20d ago

If Microsoft introduces adverts into its other games I hope it can do them without disrupting the immersion of the game world. So for example in the new Fable game it would look out of place if there was a billboard advertising Cadillacs.

A far better way to do it would be to have a wizard conjure a 'dream cloud' in front of your character and then in the cloud you can see the Cadillac car and see the text with price and availability and hear a booming sales voice promoting the car. That would work so well as it wouldn't be a billboard and completely, 100%, fit in with your character's adventuring in Albion. Doesn't that sound so much better?!

crazyCoconuts20d ago

@venom, or how about our of 100 farts in Albion, 1 of them has a Cadillac pop out

VenomUK20d ago

@crazyCoconuts That’s undeniably off-beat - but it could really work!

21d ago
Show all comments (19)