noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
upward compatible; forward compatible
Technical term for compatibility with higher-tier or newer systems. Often used in IT contexts.
See also: 上位互換 (じょういごかん) · 前方互換
このソフトは下位互換があるので、新しいバージョンのファイルも開けます。
This software is upward compatible, so it can open files from newer versions as well.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
downward compatible; backward compatible
Incorrect but common usage; the correct term is 上位互換 (じょういごかん). Often used by non-experts.
See also: 上位互換 (じょういごかん)
このプリンターは古いパソコンでも使えるので下位互換があると言われるが、正しくは上位互換です。
This printer works with old computers, so it's often said to be downward compatible, but the correct term is upward compatible.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
inferior version; less effective equivalent
Slang, especially in gaming communities, for something that performs the same role but worse than another option.
このキャラはあのキャラの下位互換だから、わざわざ使う必要はない。
This character is an inferior version of that one, so there's no need to use it on purpose.
Compound of 下位 (かい, lower rank) and 互換 (ごかん, compatibility). The technical sense is a direct translation of English 'upward compatible', but the term is often misused to mean 'backward compatible'.