Now that...

[Soldier X]

...the specifications for the Xbox 360 have been released, will it be backwards compatible? I've read as many articles as I could find, but none of them stated this. I apologize if this has been answered on these boards already.

 

[ericms]

From Xbox-Scene:

As recently as last week, a Microsoft executive said Microsoft hadn't yet determined whether the new Xbox 360 would be backward compatible. They cite a host of technical issues as reason because the console is moving from a Intel x86 based CPU to an IBM PowerPC and from an Nvidia GPU to one made by ATI. Analysts say it may come down to whether Microsoft is able to license patented technology from the cpu/gpu vendors of the original Xbox or find a way to emulate Xbox1 games without having to pay license fees.
The images shown on the new Xbox Live demos where they use images of Halo 2 and Crimson Skies and the fact that people are playing Xbox1 games on the Xbox360 on the ourcolony.net video gives some credence to the theory of Microsoft supporting backward compatibility. It atleast suggests that the test units are backward compatible. But it could be because Microsoft tries to prevent us from seeing Xbox 360 games in action as well.

 

[Kschreck]

Yes. In the videos we see several Xbox games being played on the Xbox 360 including Halo 2. We also see the Halo 2 logo as well as the Fable logo and so on in the Xbox 360 menu.

 

[gh0st]

Im more curious if the system itself is wi-fi compatible. Gamespy says it is, but I havent heard it confirmed.

Optimized for Online:

Instant, out-of-the-box access to Xbox Live features, including Xbox Live Marketplace for downloadable content, Gamer Profile for digital identity and voice chat to talk to friends while playing games, watching movies or listening to music
Built in Ethernet Port
Wi-Fi Ready: 802.11 A, B and G
Video Camera Ready

 

[DeusExMachina]

I thought it was only backwards compatible if you buy the harddrive?