page_title: Backward compatibility
hierarchical_section_title: Backward compatibility
caption_attribution_description: English: Nintendo Wii console with GameCube Memory Card and GameCube Controller connected, and GameCube game semi-inserted. Deutsch: Nintendo Wii Spielkonsole mit ein GameCube-Controller, -Spiel und -Speicherkarte (Memory Card).
context_page_description: Backward compatibility is a property of a system, product, or technology that allows for interoperability with an older legacy system, or with input designed for such a system, especially in telecommunications and computing. Backward compatibility is sometimes also called downward compatibility.
  Modifying a system in a way that does not allow backward compatibility is sometimes called "breaking" backward compatibility.
  A complementary concept is forward compatibility. A design that is forward-compatible usually has a roadmap for compatibility with future standards and products.
  A related term from programming jargon is hysterical reasons or hysterical raisins, as the purpose of some software features may be solely to support older hardware or software versions.
context_section_description: Backward compatibility (sometimes known as backwards compatibility) is a property of a system, product, or technology that allows for interoperability with an older legacy system, or with input designed for such a system, especially in telecommunications and computing. Backward compatibility is sometimes also called downward compatibility.
  Modifying a system in a way that does not allow backward compatibility is sometimes called "breaking" backward compatibility.
  A complementary concept is forward compatibility. A design that is forward-compatible usually has a roadmap for compatibility with future standards and products.
  A related term from programming jargon is hysterical reasons or hysterical raisins (homophones for "historical reasons"), as the purpose of some software features may be solely to support older hardware or software versions.
caption: The GameCube's two disc-based successors, the Wii and Wii U, employ backwards compatibility with the ability to play games designed for its predecessor and support its legacy controllers.  All Nintendo handhelds following its first one, the Game Boy, have at least one model that is backward compatible with its predecessor.
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