Callumtuckey wrote in asking why old Xbox games can’t be played on the Xbox 360. We've addressed that question here before, but since a lot of gamers weren't able to get their hands on the console when it first came out (and even more still haven't) it is sure worth addressing again.
It seems that in most game systems the compatibility issues are addressed in the making of the hardware. In the case of the 360, it’s the software, or programming, that enables players to use old Xbox games on the 360. This means that Microsoft was able to release the console without having all the compatibility issues addressed, since they could be fixed at a later date.
According to the Xbox site, they need to “emulate the Xbox hardware including the Xbox CPU and GPU.”
To make this happen, Microsoft needs to basically create patches for games it wants to be compatible. These patches must be downloaded through Xbox Live or ordered in CD form.
The good news: So far, some 200 titles are reported to work on the 360 and more are coming.
The bad news: A hard drive is required for this to work. That means those who purchased a core system will have to buy a 360 hard drive to take advantage of playing old titles on their next-gen console.
Some of the games that currently are compatible (with the right software) include, Alias, Bauldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II, Batman Begins, Call of Duty: Finest Hour, Fable, Half-Life 2, Halo and Halo 2.
For a full list and more answers to questions, check out the official Xbox site by clicking here.
Thanks for the question, Cal, it was a great one!
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