Backward compatible

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backward compatible

When a game system can run games or use accessories created for an older system, the new system is considered to be backward compatible with the old system. Note that backward compatibility can apply to a system’s software, accessories, or both.

A system may be considered backward compatible even if some older software will not run on the newer system. For example, even though some Xbox titles will not work on the Xbox 360, the 360 is still generally backward compatible with Xbox software.

Current prominent instances of backward compatibility

Template: Company: System 1 (System 2) – System 1 is backward compatible with System 2.

  • Microsoft: Xbox 360 (Xbox)
    • Note: The Xbox 360 does not accept non-USB Xbox accessories.
  • Nintendo: Nintendo DS (Game Boy Advance), Game Boy Advance (Game Boy Color, Game Boy), Game Boy Color (Game Boy), Wii (GameCube).
    • Note: The Nintendo DS cannot play Game Boy and Game Boy Color software.
    • Note: The Wii can play certain downloadable NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Genesis and Turbo-Grafx 16 games through emulation. This is not considered backward compatibility because the Wii can’t play those games on their original media. See Virtual Console.
  • Sony: PlayStation 2 (PlayStation); PlayStation 3 (PlayStation, PlayStation 2)
    • Note: The PlayStation 3 does not accept non-USB PlayStation or PlayStation 2 accessories.

Example: Sony ensured the success of the PlayStation 2 by making it backward compatible with the original PlayStation. The PlayStation 3 followed this trend, but some users complained that their old controllers would not work with the new system.

Wrong: backwards compatible, backward- compatible.

Also see: emulator, Virtual Console.

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