- Microsoft shared new details about the backward compatibility features of the Xbox Series X.
- The console automatically adds HDR support to backward compatible games and improves frame rates up to 120 FPS for some titles.
- These improvements even affect games developed for the Xbox 360 and the original Xbox console.
Today, Microsoft shared new insights on the backward compatibility features of the upcoming Xbox Series X, with one major game-changing surprise.
Faster Load Times, Better Resolution
Microsoft revealed that games not only play better on the Series X thanks to “new platform level capabilities,” but the console automatically adds HDR support to Xbox One titles.
Players can expect faster load times, better resolutions, and higher frame rates as the console leverages the full power of CPU, GPU, and SSD without down-clocking or a boost mode. The console’s Quick Resume feature works with backward-compatible titles as well.
Microsoft explains:
The compatibility team has invented brand new techniques that enable even more titles to run at higher resolutions and image quality while still respecting the artistic intent and vision of the original creators.
Microsoft is looking to double the frame rate of a selection of titles. The platform holder says native 30 fps games will jump up to 60 fps. The console will push native 60 fps games up to 120 fps.
Even Xbox and Xbox 360 Games Will Benefit
Nestled among this already impressive set of backward compatibility features, Microsoft announced the performance improvements extend to backward compatible original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.
As this technique is handled by the platform itself, it allows us to enable HDR with zero impact to the game’s performance and we can also apply it to Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles developed almost 20 years ago, well before the existence of HDR.
The news is game-changing. Microsoft has struck gold and further bolstered one of the few advantages it has over Sony.
Not only will the Series X offer backward compatibility with a raft of Xbox and Xbox 360 games, but the console actively makes them better thanks to its next-gen wizardry.
In contrast, Sony’s focus is solely on making the PS5 backward compatible with PlayStation 4 titles. At least, that’s the message put across by the Japanese giant to date.
Although the PS5 may have an ultra-fast SSD and developers gushing about its merits, the Series X appears to have the upper hand in terms of raw power – and now, a stunning advance in backward compatibility improvements too.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
This article was edited by Josiah Wilmoth.
