Xbox 360 Is Backwards Compatible

The Xbox was and still is a phenomenal gaming machine. The Live packages offered the ability play online and compete with other players. The graphics were incredible, even without the high-definition television set they were made for. The Xbox 360 offered far richer pictures, some with details that even defined water droplets against pavement.

This means the trusty black Xbox finally gives up its last breath and it is time to move on to the Xbox 360. But what about that game: does it go to an auction or a used game store? No, it does not have to. Microsoft made sure of that.

One factor in the myriad of things taken into consideration when the Xbox 360 was created was the ability to be backwards compatible. In layman’s terms that means games created for Xbox can be played on Xbox 360 too. The old Xbox games will never be on the same playing field as ones designed specifically for the 360, but at least you won’t have to part with your classic favorites.

The Xbox 360 is top of the line graphics and processor speeds that run games extremely smooth. The clarity on games is crisp and sharp. When a game can imitate water so realistically that you thirst just looking at it…that is top notch graphics! The top selling games were definitely considered first. Games such as "Halo 2," "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," and "Ninja Gaiden" work superbly on the Xbox 360. The lesser games such as "Sid Meir’s Pirates" were not so lucky. There were exceptions in the backwards compatibility. It is these exceptions that have left a sour taste in some game player’s mouths. "Mech-assault" is another notable exception: a popular game introduced to capitalize on Xbox Live but is unable to be played on the Xbox 360.

As far as Xbox games go, there are not many that cannot be played on the Xbox 360. If you are addicted to a certain Xbox game and find yourself considering upgrading to a 360, it is advisable to check the Xbox website to see if the game is backwards compatible. If it is not, there is not much that can be done except to either let the game go or continue to keep the original console and do routine upgrades and maintenance.

This transition period in games is nothing new and will continue to happen as technology becomes more advanced in software and hardware. Games close to our hearts will fade with time and be replaced by more dynamic counterparts. At the very least, that favorite game might make an appearance on a specialty website.

Mark Gittelman is a big fan of xbox 360 gaming. Come see his top picks for his favorite catagory xbox 360 car driving games. Or if you would like to see more about fun car games for all platforms visit his favorite car games page.