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Microsoft still considering backwards compatibility for Xbox One

When this generation of consoles were announced, it was pretty disappointing to learn that there would be no backwards compatibility on either Sony or Microsoft's system. However, Xbox head, Phil Spencer, is listening to user feedback and is investigating ways to incorporate backwards compatibility for Xbox One users.

During an interview on The Inner Circle podcast, Phil Spencer said: Back compat is always a hot topic at the turn of a generation, and I get why, especially on Xbox 360 so many people bought so much digital content and it means that a lot of us, we're holding on to our 360s.”

Xbox One Controller

“I get the question. I totally respect the question. There’s nothing I can say about it right now, but I’ll just say ‘I hear you.' I definitely hear you and I'll continue to try to work to build something that can help people out.”

Microsoft has briefly mentioned mulling over backwards compatibility in the past, although nothing concrete has been announced or said about it yet. It may eventually come down to Xbox engineers just simply not being able to find a way to emulate the Xbox 360 effectively enough for it to be a good experience.

However, Microsoft might be put under increased pressure to come up something once Sony's Playstation Now service officially comes out of beta as PS4 owners will then be able to stream older titles, granted, they will also have to completely re-purchase older titles as well, which isn't a particularly great solution either.

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KitGuru Says: Microsoft's Xbox division has been very pro-consumer ever since Phil Spencer took over, which is a good thing, companies should always value customer feedback and be willing to incorporate changes or add features. Do you guys think the Xbox One should get backwards compatibility? Are you happy with Microsoft's current ‘pro-consumer' approach? 

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14 comments

  1. Yes If you do this I will buy a Xbox ONE.

  2. Just got an XboxOne yesterday… yea 400 euro’s + a game… that’s a month rent haha.. so I had to really save up for it. Didn’t throw my (1st!!) gen xbox360 in the bin yet, because of the backwards compability thing of the One. When they find a sufficient way to make it backwards compatible.. then I will pass it on or throw it away whatever works at that time. But it’s gonna be hard, I’m sure if it was easely possible they would have done it already before the launch. Microsoft’s pro consumer approach is very appreciated though, it gives us consumers the appearence that they give a sh*t about us lol. In the end it’s all bout making a dollar or 2 for Micro$oft so I’m not sure what their next step will be.

  3. Yeah don’t worry Microsoft will get you to purchase all those games over again, so yes backwards compatibility is on the way.

    PhoneyVirus
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  4. we have it on pc i think the consoles should have it also certain software can do it using controllers ps3 or xbox and they can make money out of it

  5. I was thinking of buying my son xbox 1, no point if he cant play hus old games. What do we throw them all away pah.

  6. Do you know that Xbox One can heat up a bowl of porridge now?….

  7. I so can my Gaming computer and all the laptops in my house. The PS4 I hear is no different and I am a Halo fan so Xbox for the win. Just saying.

  8. Lol don’t worry I don’t stay exclusive to a company like those fanboys. Just trying to be funny to your first comment. Lol…

  9. LOL I actually have considered a PS4 but I only will buy that if they make more Crash Bandicoot games. Overall I am a PC person. And I was trying to be funny to. 🙂

  10. Haha no worries. I miss the PS1 era. I remember playing Dino Crisis series and Resident Evil series especially RE3 when I was little. Back then RE series was one of the best….

  11. I hope that if they charge people for the games again, that’ll be something like Minecraft were if you already own a version you only have to pay £4

  12. Who told you that it has the best intercooling system out. #ShutUp

  13. Yepp. I have spent roughly $1,000 on 360 games alone. I love my collection too much to part with it. In fact, the lack of backwards compatibility is the only reason I haven’t invested in the Xbox One. If it happens, I’ll be the first in line.

  14. I will buy an XBOX ONE if they do this I swear to god right hand