Facebook Friday – Backwards Compatibility and Wii U Reactions

Facebook Friday is here! The newest feature on GameOn, as we turn to you, our audience, for your thoughts on some of the biggest issues in gaming!

Every Friday, GameNTrain will introduce a new question of the week, looking for your thoughts. This is our chance to connect with you, our listeners and viewers. Its also your chance to have your say on some pretty hot issues in gaming.

This week’s question…

 Should all next generation systems be backwards compatible?

With Sony recently coming out and announcing that the PlayStation 4 will not have backwards compatibility, many gamers will not be able to play their PS3 games, on-disc or digital download, on the next generation system. But is this necessarily a bad thing?

Do you think all new systems should be backwards compatible with previous systems? Or can you live without this feature?

Also, there are rumors of possible cloud gaming or emulators, but at this point, what we know is that the new system will not have backwards compatibility in the traditional sense.

For more of our thoughts on backwards compatibility and for reactions to last week’s question of the week, check out the video below!

We will be talking about your comments and answers in one week on our next FACEBOOK FRIDAY!

We’ll also be discussing your thoughts from last week’s question of the week, What’s your thoughts on the Wii U?

More importantly, we want to hear from you! Make your thoughts known!

You can leave your comments here on GameNTrain, on YouTube, and of course on Facebook and Twitter!

We’ll look at the comments you left and talk about them in next week’s Facebook Friday!

Once again, this week’s question…

 Should all next generation systems be backwards compatible?

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the author

Jeff Johnson is a Canadian journalist and the host of GameOn here at GameNTrain. He was born in Ontario, but moved to British Columbia to learn what it's like to be attacked by deer on a regular basis. If you've got an idea for a feature story on GameOn or would like to be featured as a contibutor, simply e-mail gameon@gamentrain.com. You can also find Jeff on Google+ at http://www.gplus.to/jeffjohnsongnt

  • bigchad

    i like having backward compatibility. there is always going to be a few favorite great games and those cult classics you missed that you find out about much later from the older gen that you are so greatful for the ability to play on the next gen system without having to have/buy that older system and hook to your tv with only so many a/v ports to go around. it adds value and expands the game library exponentially.

  • BroadcasterJeff

    Bigchad! Good to see you on GameNTrain!

    Totally agree. The big selling point for the PS2 for me was the fact that the PS2 was a CD Player, DVD Player, a Playstation 1 and a Playstation 2 all-in-one. Fact is, I was playing many of the games for the PS1 long after the PS2 came out.

    Having just got into the PS3 maybe about a year ago, I plan on playing games for the PS3 for long after the PS4 comes out. With the PS4 not having backwards compatibility, that could be a challenge!

  • bigchad

    system sales pretty much double with the inclusion of backward compatibility. look at the numbers of ps2, nintendo ds, gameboy color, wii and gameboy advanced. that pretty much sums it up in my opinion. if the nextbox has backwards compatibility sony might have to worry about that with ps4.

  • http://www.GameNTrain.com/ Eric Hoff

    I think the issue with Backwards Compatibility is the cost for the system developer to implement it. They basically have to install the older system within the new console (some things not included of course) After a year or so, many aren’t playing the older games anyway.

    Do I like backwards compatibility? Yes. Do I want it, Yes. Am I willing to pay an extra hundred bucks for a system to include it… I’m not really sure. I have a ton of downloaded games which, unless I keep my old Xbox, will never again be played.

    In the end, I think the Steam box is going to come and take the industry by storm. Since they run on a PC framework, no matter how often you update your console, you will still be able to play ALL of the games in your library. Even those ten year old ones.

    • bigchad

      i agree the steam box will be a force to be reconed with! with ps4 having all the hoopla at the moment and nextbox anouncments coming soon. no one is waiting for e3. you have to wonder why so soon? its because of the steambox!!! its going to be an intersting year indeed for gaming, for sure!!!!
      though the average consumer has no idea what the steambox is about im sure they will find out soon enough. if they can get enough prouduct placement out there!!!

  • Guest

    I think that the next generation consoles will need everything in their armory to compete with the ever growing PC gaming, mobile and free-to-play markets. I think that the current generation with the PS3 and Xbox 360 has been so defining that it would be hard to ignore backwards compatibility.

    With the constant releases this gen of HD re-releases, old games will always have a place and backwards compatibility would be a cheaper way for the gamers to get their kicks from their classic games instead of forking out more money for an HD version or, by the next generation, a 3D version.

    • SCIENCEakaSYCO

      This comment was from me Jeff but it’s not allowing me to post it as ‘Simon Marshall’ nor does the comment feature my image, its only the blank image :( .