- A credible insider claims that the next-gen Xbox console will have hardware-level backward compatibility.
- There would be no need for emulation, as the next-gen console will natively run games from various past platforms.
- Xbox is aiming for a traditional experience with the next-gen console, and Microsoft promised the largest technical leap with it.
Both Xbox and Sony are making major plans for the next generation of console gaming. Now, a new report suggests that Microsoft is taking it a step ahead and trying to ensure that its next platform can represent the legacy of all its major past consoles.
The notable industry insider Jez Corden clarifies that the next-gen Xbox console will ‘100% or 99.999%’ run console games. However, it will also feature robust backward compatibility at the hardware level, allowing you to play games from past platforms natively.
Why it matters: The next-gen console will likely support games from a variety of past Xbox consoles, confirming that Microsoft has not slowed down on its programs to pursue backward compatibility.
In the Xbox Two podcast, Jez explains that the next-gen Xbox console features the silicon for running games all the way from Xbox 360 to Xbox Series X and S. So, titles from all these past consoles will be playable on the next-gen Xbox without an emulator.
I’ve been told by a bunch of people the next Xbox has the silicon for running Xbox One and Series X and 360 games natively. At least what’s in the backwards compatibility program.
Microsoft has also promised the most significant technical leap between generations for its next console. Xbox is also working on third-party platforms that are more akin to PC gaming than console gaming.
The new third-party handhelds announced at the Xbox Showcase, Xbox ROG Ally X and ROG Ally, are the biggest examples of this.
However, the next Xbox console will still be a traditional one and will reportedly not feature Steam, even though a majority of fans are unwilling to buy it due to the multiplatform strategy and potential high price point.
On the flip side, Sony’s next-gen PlayStation 6 console is also rumored to support backward compatibility with an AMD SoC, and the PS6 portable is rumored to be capable of running PS5 games.
Do you think the next-gen Xbox console will prove to have strong backward compatibility at a native hardware level? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.