1. It's Backwards Compatibility
There is one other possibility as to the identity of Xbox Fusion. It's already been confirmed that Xbox One is not backwards compatible. We also know Sony's PS4 is not backwards compatible but they will be offering a cloud service that streams previous-gen games. Very little is known about the service at the moment other than it will launch in North America early next year. Previous gen games will be made available, but only through a streaming service and we still don't know at what cost. A cloud service with streaming of arcade titles would be preferable for both consoles. What better name for Microsoft's previous-gen service, than 'Xbox Fusion.' The fusion of three generations of Xbox, on one console. Xbox One is designed to be a hub, everything under one console. So it would make sense for Microsoft to bring Xbox's previous-gen games on to one platform. Not only as a product for existing gamers but as an attractive selling point for newcomers to Xbox One. But it's been confirmed that Xbox One will not be backwards compatible. Microsoft's next-gen console faces a similar problem to Sony's. Xbox Live Vice President, Marc Whitten, confirmed the lack of previous-gen titles transferring to Xbox One; "The system is based on different core architecture, so back compat doesn't really work from that perspective." Whitten is referring to the Xbox One's new x86 architecture, which won't run Xbox 360 games or XBLA titles. Sony faces the same problem but will resolve it by offering a streaming service rolling out next year. Microsoft has made it clear they don't intend to follow up with a similar solution. The primary reason is because Microsoft still see's life left in the Xbox 360. If Microsoft still intend on selling Xbox 360 consoles and games, it makes sense to hold off offering the same content to Xbox One players. Since any next-gen gamers who want to still play their 360 games will hold on to their consoles for the time being. So a backwards compatible cloud service is not off the cards. After all if Sony goes ahead with a cloud service and it proves popular enough. Then Microsoft will presumably have to counteract the problem with something similar. There's still time for Microsoft to announce a streaming service. Time enough for them to get another year out of the 360. Sony confirmed it will roll the streaming service out next year, but that could be well into quarter 3 if it's delayed. Just in time for another E3. Everything expressed here is opinion based on facts. Xbox Fusion could be something interesting for the future or nothing at all. As it remains Xbox Fusion is still a mystery. What do you think it could be? Do you have any theories on Xbox Fusion's secret identity? Let us know in the comments section below.