A report released this week is suggesting that the new Xbox 720 gaming console, which hasn’t even been announced by Microsoft as yet, might not be compatible with the current Xbox 360 game titles.
The report states that the new Xbox 720 will be equipped with a variant of AMD Jaguar technology, and the switch to AMD chips hints that the new console will not be compatible with Xbox 360 games.
Technical Specifications and Compatibility Issues
The report on the Xbox 720, codenamed Durango, compatibility has been published by the Bloomberg website, but more information is expected to be released in a press event scheduled for May 21st. Bloomberg explains a little more about the Xbox 720 specs:
“The Xbox 720 will use an AMD system-on-a-chip that combines powerful “Jaguar” central processing units with graphics chips, said one of the people, who sought anonymity because the plans aren’t public. The shift to the so-called x86 format ubiquitous in modern personal computers means Microsoft will drop the Power PC technology designed by International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), and game discs made for the current Xbox 360 won’t be compatible.”
The shift to AMD’s x86 architecture is significant because it aligns the Xbox 720 more closely with modern PCs, potentially simplifying game development and porting. However, this change comes at the cost of backward compatibility, a feature that many gamers value highly. The Xbox 360’s PowerPC architecture is fundamentally different from the x86 architecture, making it challenging to run older games on the new hardware without substantial emulation efforts.
Impact on Gamers and the Gaming Industry
The lack of backward compatibility could have several implications for gamers and the gaming industry. For one, gamers who have invested heavily in Xbox 360 titles might be disappointed that their existing library won’t carry over to the new console. This could influence their decision to upgrade to the Xbox 720 or consider alternative gaming platforms that offer backward compatibility, such as Sony’s PlayStation 4, which has been rumored to support older PlayStation titles through cloud-based services.
On the other hand, the new architecture could pave the way for more advanced and graphically impressive games. Developers will have the opportunity to leverage the full power of the AMD Jaguar technology without being constrained by the need to support older hardware. This could lead to a new generation of games that offer richer, more immersive experiences.
Unfortunately, no official information on Xbox 720 has been released by Microsoft yet, but as soon as information comes to light, we will keep you updated as always.
Source: Eurogamer : Bloomberg : Shack News
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