Backward compatibility

The original Wii model with the GameCube controller, memory card and game disc, showing backward compatibility with its predecessor

In telecommunications and computing, backward compatibility (or backwards compatibility) is a property of an operating system, software, real-world product, or technology that allows for interoperability with an older legacy system, or with input designed for such a system.

Modifying a system in a way that does not allow backward compatibility is sometimes called "breaking" backward compatibility. Such breaking usually incurs various types of costs, such as switching cost.

A complementary concept is forward compatibility; a design that is forward-compatible usually has a roadmap for compatibility with future standards and products.

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