The next-gen Xbox may not be backwards compatible due to a change in the future console's architecture over the current Xbox 360, according to new rumors about the console's specs.
Because Microsoft is changing from Intel Power PC technology to a AMD chip with x86 architecture, the technology driving the new Xbox is different from the current Xbox 360, and thus the next-gen Xbox will not be able to play the disks of the current generation without the help of an emulator working at the software level.
Microsoft is apparently motivated by the reduced costs associated with AMD, and the company's ability to make PC-like architecture for the console's hardware, thus making the console easier to develop games for. Sony is going with a similar strategy as well, as the PlayStation 4 will also use AMD technology. Some have already noted that the PlayStation 4 is easier to develop for than the PlayStation 3, and with both consoles reported to be similar, this implies that the next-gen Xbox will fit this mold as well.
Earlier this month it was reported that the next-gen Xbox will require an Internet connection at all times, or the system will shut down whatever game or app in use after three minutes. The console is also expected to come in two different models. One will be subscription based and cost $300, and the other shall be stand-alone and cost $500. Also in that report is the rumor that Microsoft will put out a $99 version of the Xbox 360, entitled "Stingray," which lends further proof that the next-gen Xbox will be unable to play Xbox 360 games.
While nothing is set in stone until Microsoft confirms what is under the hood for the next-gen Xbox, we are getting closer and closer to the rumored May 21 reveal for the system, so unless several different sources are wrong, this could very well be what to expect from the next-gen Xbox's hardware.
Thanks to: Ubergizmo
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