Topic: Backward Compatibility... Pros and Cons?

Backward compatibility seems to have become a standard feature on all current Nintendo consoles/handhelds... But, does it hinder more than help the system? While it works for the handhelds, I feel it takes away from consoles. Why do we continue to look backward when we should look forward and see what great experience comes next? I feel releasing the Gamecube controllers with the release of Smash U was also a step backward. What are your thoughts, are there more pros or cons when it comes to backward compatibility?

Why would it hinder the system to include backwards compatibility? The only con I can think of is increased price for the technology but it is way worth it.

For example the way they included the Wii menu in the Wii U, I hate having to switch over to that, and I feel like the system is going to die or something. Also, backward compatibility takes up space... They could use that space for other tech, or new features, IDK. I think it would be smart to allow consumers to purchase either a backward compatible version or a standard, non-BC version. My family has two Wii consoles (three if you count my sister's which is in hiding) and two Wii U consoles... that is essentially FIVE Wii consoles! Too much.

Would you rather have backward compatibility, DVD/Blu-Ray player, both or none?

They should do what microsoft did where when you put in the 360 disk in the Xbox1 it will download the game if its available on the store but it wont play the game directly from the disk.

It's like asking whether or not a Blu-Ray player should be able to playback DVDs. I fail to see the disadvantages if they can get it to work well. The question you should be asking instead is whether or not they should use the same architecture......

Backwards Compatibility should be standard for all consoles.

it was great that all the old gameboys supported this. being able to play original gb games on the newest gba with the nice backlit lcd is awesome. but no home console of nintendo had this until the wii. snes, n64, and gamecube never had it.
nowadays with everything heading towards digital it makes more sense to do it. i already hate the idea of paying for a digital download of a game i've had for real for like 20 years.
its disappointing how they handled it with the wii u though. they made such a big deal about how they would be backwards compatible, but in the end its a pain, and is probably barely used now. i still don't get why they could incorporate all the dsi shop stuff into the 3ds eshop seamlessly, and have it run seamlessly on the 3ds, but the wii u decided to keep it all separate. it would be nice to be able to download my old wii ware from the wii u eshop and have a direct icon to it from the wii u menu.

Well, backwards compatibility is a great incentive for getting people to adopt a new console. I know I have lots of 360 and PS3 games that (until this week) were unplayable on the new systems. I personally don't have the space to have 6 consoles sitting out to play some of these games. The XBone strategy appears to be a good idea because it is all digital, but that would never work with Nintendo this generation (and next they better have at least 500GB hard drive space standard). It's a smart business decision.

There are cons though. The original PS3 had native PS2 support, but that was scrapped in the first redesign (which I think was internal stuff only) in order to save money and get the power consumption down a bit. While it was a better feature, the different chip set made it more expensive to release since they had to have chips for 3 generations in their (I know PS1/2 had the same chip set). This also causes developers to be less willing to go with new technology that may be better if they are worried about keeping backward compatibility. This will be a big problem with Nintendo since their last 2 consoles and handhelds have had hardware gimmicks (I don't mean this disparagingly). They basically need to have the ability to attach all this old hardware/have multiple screens to make this possible going forward. If they ditch the dual screen idea for their next releases, then backward compatibility goes out the window.

other than cost to add the feature?
no cons at all, if you skipped the previous console and has interest in games of the new one you might as well buy the newer one to fully enjoy both experiences
so, other than the costs...... nothing bad with it actually, takes little space, won't waste processing 'cause it won't run in background, just like any other app just sitting there stationary waiting to be used, the only difference is the hardware adaptation necessary to support it....
though wiiu's wii mode is pretty sloppy, IMO.....

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