Microsoft just released their list of backward compatible games for the XBOX 360. These are games that are playable for the original XBOX that should work with the new XBOX 360, with the caveat that you have the Hard Drive accessory (mainly because the original XBOX had a hard drive, while the XBOX 360 core system does not.
I think Microsoft is blowing their chances with the 360. I think they are making some pretty crucial mistakes with this new system, mainly stemming from the two system configuration approach, which has marketing written all over it. The stripped down version called "XBOX 360 Core System" and the other "XBOX 360". XBOX 360 has all the trimmings of course, while the core comes with none of the goodies such as hi-def, wireless controllers, internet ready, etc.
The Core System basically only exists for the purposes of marketing a lower price point than would otherwise be available.
Game developers hate this approach as well, as it means games much either be written in such a way that you're either writing for the lowest common denominator (the core system) or you're writing for the high end, meaning that potentially your market might not be as big as it could be or you're writing code for both high and low end systems.
The reason that consoles have worked in the market for so long is not due to any technological advantage, but for the same reason why Apple has been successful with the iPod -- because it's simple and it works. PC games require looking at the requirements, making sure the hardware spec is met, and then there's the installation process. Consoles take all that away -- installing is painless, and playing the game is as simple as putting the game media in the slot, and turning on the power button. No icons to click, no commands to type, no memory to manage, no drivers to load, it's incredible how convenient it is to just insert disc and go. But now, Microsoft with the XBOX 360 is shifting it in reverse -- we're going back to the days of looking at requirements and checking compatibility.
Leave a comment