Backward compatibility was a welcome addition to the Xbox One. I meant users did not necessarily have to get rid of their old Xbox 360 games. However, when discussing this feature, it is always worth noting that only specific games are compatible. For the Xbox 360, the number of supported titles rolls into the hundreds. For the original Xbox backward compatibility, the starting number is more modest. We expect Microsoft will add to the amount available games as the months and years pass. In terms of playability, the 13 titles available at launch will run at 1080p resolution and score better framerates. In other words, they will look better than they ever did on the original Xbox. For customers who don’t already own one of the games, they are available from the Microsoft Store for $9.99. Below is the list of available games:
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Ninja Gaiden Black Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge Fuzion Frenzy Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Psychonauts Dead to Rights Black Grabbed by the Ghoulies Sid Meier’s Pirates! Red Faction II BloodRayne 2 The King of Fighters Neowave
Backward Compatibility
As I have written, and will continue to do, Xbox One Backward Compatibility is a winning feature. I have often pushed the idea that Sony has already won this generation of the console market. The PS4 is a sales giant, for sure, but my opinion is only based on sales. After a poor start, Microsoft has clawed back the initiative and (again, we’re in opinion territory) is winning this generation in terms of innovation and features. Backward Compatibility is one of those features that are not available on PS4. However, as I reported earlier in the year, the concept has failed to be a driving force behind sales. Research conducted by Ars Technica shows that Backward Compatibility titles account for just 1.5 percent of total gaming minutes for Xbox One gamers. Despite this, it is good that Microsoft is continuing to support a feature and even expanding it.
