14 DAY TRIAL // The backwards compatibility feature that will allow Xbox One users to play titles that were originally launched on the 360 might not be launched yet, but some gamers are already asking whether it might be extended to cover games that were offered on the first Xbox console.
Phil Spencer, who leads the gaming division at Microsoft, states on his Twitter account that he is asking the developers about the issue frequently and that it might be explored once the first version of the feature is delivered to consoles.
Backwards compatibility for the Xbox One was announced during E3 2015 and should be delivered in November, but a full list of the video games that will benefit from it is not out yet.
It is guaranteed to cover all titles that Microsoft has published but it's unclear how many other publishers will be happy to see their older titles played using the feature, especially if they plan to deliver remake collections.
Those who pick up Gears of War: Ultimate Edition will be able to play all the titles in the series using backwards compatibility.
The Xbox One will basically run a virtual version of the 360 hardware in order to make sure that titles run as they did on the platform on launch.
It's unclear how many gamers will be interested in actually playing original Xbox titles on their new console, but the new feature will certainly be a welcomed addition.
The Xbox One is also getting a major user interface revamp soon
Microsoft wants to make the console easier to control, with more intuitive menus and better ways to organize content.
At the moment, there's no official date for the launch of either the backwards compatibility feature or the user interface revamp.
Microsoft is also aiming to deliver improvements for the Xbox One application running on Windows 10 PCs and has big plans to better integrate the two platforms, boosting gaming on both.
Meanwhile, Sony is planning to introduce a major 3.0 firmware for the PlayStation 4, with a limited number of players able to test it during September.
The two platforms are getting new features and stability improvements in order to become more attractive in the long term, especially during the very important Christmas shopping season.
@HadleeSimons I don't think it's silly. I ask the BC team this question a lot. Need to finish 360 BC for now.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 19, 2015