Prediction: The NX will not be backwards compatible

[MrCkurab]

As some people seem to believe that they NEED to use Power Architecture for backwards compatibility, let me tell you:

Thats wrong!

Yes, PowerPC would make it easier, as they could pretty much just feed the old code into the system tweak one or two things and it would work, but they would have to use PowerPC which, at this point, is probably the worst choice of them all.
If they use X86, ARM or just anything that isnt PowerPC they would have to use Emulation, just like the Xbox One.
That would mean more work and individual tweaks that may be necessary for single games, but would also add other advantages (apart from not having to use PowerPC): It would be easier to integrate new console features into old games or use the superior specs to improve loadtimes, framerates etc. (Again, see emulation on the Xbox One!) The Wii U cant do this as its simply switching to the Wii chips only and running the old software on those. That means the Wii U Chipset isnt whole anymore, ergo no features can be run as the Wii U more or less ceases to exist, in a manner of speaking. Using an Emulator would mean to just start another software on the Hardware while its still running, just like opening an app on the Wii U doesnt stop you from acessing the home menu, etc.

I hope this explanation cleaned up some possible misunderstandings!

I personally hope and believe that they wont use a PowerPC architecture, but am still hoping for emulation-driven backwards compatibility, though that might only come later in the consoles lifecycle just Virtual Console on Wii or Xbox One BC.