The rumors about what we can expect when Microsoft formally reveals their next console have been flying, and many of them have been cause for concern. The nextbox not being backwards-compatible is almost anti-climactic at this point, but it does look like the upcoming machine will be completely unable to make use of previous systems’ game discs.
The nextbox will use AMD’s “Jaguar” chip for its processing. This moves the entire system over to the x86 form that PC users might be familiar with. What all of it means for 360 users is the guarantee their current games will never be playable on the nextbox, regardless of any software patches to promote backwards compatability like was done with the 360.
From a business standpoint, it is a good move for both AMD and Microsoft. AMD gets its chip in every console while Microsoft makes the PC and mobile games that are currently being designed for x86 operating systems easier to port onto their new console.
Hopefully us gamers will get some cool exclusive ports out of the deal, at least.
Published: Apr 9, 2013 12:21 pm