‘Backwards Compatibility’ Tops The List Of The Most Desired Features From The PS4

New research from a money saving website in the UK has revealed the key features that gamers are looking for from the anticipated release of the Playstation 4.

It seems that gamers aren’t ready to sever the links to previous generations of console games as ‘backwards compatibility’, at 71%, tops the list of desired features.

The poll, conducted by www.VoucherCodesPro.co.uk , asked 1,245 UK gamers for their opinions on what they desired from the forthcoming release, after an increase in the number of searches on the site relating to the Playstation 4.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Given the new hardware direction (allegedly) I am pretty sure BC will be handled with their Gaikai service...and I am guessing its gonna get tied to Playstation Plus some how or some kind of extra premium to allow you go to access the PS3 catalog.

[wishingW3L]

Gaikai is not very reliable unless you have like a 20MB connection or higher to stream the game and many people are still rocking 4-5MB connections and that's not enough.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I get what you are saying but the reality is "if" the new hardware is to believed unless Sony is going to pack in a Cell processor set up into the PS4 BC is gonna need to be Software driven. I am not terribly confident in Sony going to the full lengths to make all those games BC compatible via software emulation. Its not an easy process when you are looking at such drastically different hardware. So... Gaikai would offer them the easiest route to make all those games available to a PS4 owner.

[Army_of_Darkness]

So it won't matter whether or not the ps4 will be backwards compatible. I'm getting a PS4 to play next GEN games not last Gen.

[NeverEnding1989]

Playstation owners have spoken.

I agree with them. My other most wanted feature is cross game chat and improved controller.

[3GenGames]

Considering the patent for (basically) a dynamically switching hardware layout, I'm 99% sure you'll see the a PS3 hardware alongside the new hardware on the CPU/GPU dies or an external SoC like the new 360's.

[Anon1974]

I could take it or leave it. BC was important for me when I bought my PS3 and I think I ended up playing all of one PS2 titles on it. When you buy a PS4, you're buying it for PS4 games. If you've got a library of PS3 games, chances are you already have a PS3. It's like complaining blu-ray won't play your VHS tapes. If you want to keep playing old stuff, keep your old hardware. It't not exactly rocket science. Sure combo VHS/DVD players exist, but it's really a niche market. That's the same as backwards compatibility, as far as I'm concerned. It's a niche market. It'd be nice to have, but I'm not paying a premium for it ever again.

I see someone mentioned cross game chat. I've got it on my 360 and never use it, I'll never use it on my PS4. Frankly, I think talking to someone when you can't give them your undivided attention is rude and I simply won't do it, but I hope it's included simply for the fact I won't have to listen to people whining about it for the better part of a decade.

[nukeitall]

Gaikai is not a good replacement, considering lag and compression artifacts and that is with an excellent connection.

That said, I think BC will be a though proposition with PS4 emulating PS3. Two very different architectures so I wouldn't blame Sony for not having it.

@darkride66:

"It't not exactly rocket science. Sure combo VHS/DVD players exist, but it's really a niche market. That's the same as backwards compatibility, as far as I'm concerned. It's a niche market. It'd be nice to have, but I'm not paying a premium for it ever again."

Not a good comparison for two reasons:

a) VHS to DVD has significant and I mean significant quality differences plus host of advantages. That is why DVD adoption was so fast even with new technology (and why blu-ray demand is so low relatively).

b) Almost every single VHS movie eventually becomes available on DVD, but I can't say the same about remakes for PS3 to PS4

"I see someone mentioned cross game chat. I've got it on my 360 and never use it, I'll never use it on my PS4. Frankly, I think talking to someone when you can't give them your undivided attention is rude and I simply won't do it, but I hope it's included simply for the fact I won't have to listen to people whining about it for the better part of a decade."

Well plenty of people don't find it rude, and many can talk and game at the same time just fine.

In addition, it is a great way to keep in touch with your friends while you wait for a spot to open up in a game, or when they are about to start a new match you can join.

Furthermore, because YOU DO NOT USE IT doesn't mean millions of others won't. I use it all the time, and it is one of the things that makes it easy to play online.

My guess is you, rarely play online and don't really have a bunch of friends that you regularly play with.

[BuffMordecai]

Hell, I'm rockin' a 1.5MB connection.

[Anon1974]

@Nuke. Actually, I play online quite a bit with my friends and family, but no one has a 360 but me so cross game chat doesn't factor into it. Even when I had friends with 360's, not once did any of us use the cross game chat. We'd send text messages to invite to a game and if the other guy didn't respond, we let them do their thing. I think once someone did try to initiate a cross game chat with me, but once again..I find it rude to talk when I can't concentrate on who I'm talking with so I didn't answer. I don't "chat" with people on the phone when I'm watching a movie. I don't take my phone into the bathroom with me. Why on earth would I think it's acceptable to chat with someone when I'm trying to play a game they aren't part of? Again, it's not that I can't game and talk, I just choose not to. I think it's just rude and demonstrates a lack of respect to the person you're talking to. But my values are may be different. I'm old. I wouldn't dream of pulling out my phone and texting someone in the middle of a conversation either, but I see 20 somethings do it all the time. Kids today...no manners.

As for the start of this current gen, the difference in quality between what we were seeing on the PS2 and Xbox wasn't that great at the start. I remember when God of War 2 was released, visually it put most "next gen" games to shame. I'm not sure what VHS movies coming to DVD has to do with anything? Are you saying suddenly your old hardware stopped working and you couldn't play your games unless you had BC, so because everything wasn't remade for the PS3, people got screwed? I don't follow.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Exactly, and if people want this thing to be priced to sell well, you certainly don't want a PS3 SoC on board. Its just not feasible.

[rainslacker]

Given emulation advances, PS1 and PS2 games could probably be handled through software. Unfortunately the Cells processes are vastly different than a standard x86 class chip. The cell design is still being used in part, they are just moving more towards hybrid chips and not focused on SPE use like the PS3. This could cause major issues with emulation if the SPE's were programmed to do something that the x86 class chips simply can't do.

It is possible they could throw in a cell chip to maintain full BC, and I would welcome that, but given the need for profitability I can imagine that it may be a "Deluxe" SKU that will do this.

Gaikai could also offer this feature, but as is said above, it is less than ideal, and not true BC. It would also cost them more as then they would have to have the hardware on the server side to be able to handle the people that would want to play their old games, and would require the actual code to be maintained on their servers.

I think one thing people don't realize is that if you want to have all the older games available in this manner, it would mean having to renegotiate licensing agreements with every company that holds rights to an IP. Given that the PS3 has a few thousand games across all territories(localized versions mean a separate license), then it's highly unlikely to happen, and most likely cost prohibitive.

[vega275]

I highly doubt the ps4 will do B\C since theres no cell in it. Beside how will sony get gamers to rebuy games they already own again if they did.

[InMyOpinion]

"Beside how will sony get gamers to rebuy games they already own again if they did."

By releasing enhanced HD versions like they've done with PS2 games this gen.

[vega275]

I'm aware of that. Which is why I was refering to sony getting you to rebuy then again. Even if they use their. loud service. You will have to repay for games you already own.

sony has already proved that ps3 owners with rebuy games again when they did the whole HD remakes. why will they think other wise when they can make money all over again. hell I wouldn't be surprise if they make 4K remake version of games when 4k hdtv's become mainstream.

@below. I guess so. Since sony already got your money twice. But I rather have B\C which is a reason I've never bought any of the hd remakes. But thats just me.

[InMyOpinion]

@vega275 - Exactly, since there's clearly a market for it.

[rainslacker]

People would probably still buy those HD remakes...although realistically an HD remake from a PS3 to PS4 game is much less an advancement than say PS1/PS2 to PS3 upgrade.

There are advantages to having BC, particularly at launch. People could trade in their older systems to help finance the newer one. They can also still purchase late-gen releases without having their old hardware around. I would be great for people that don't have a PS3 now because they can also buy PS3 games, which is just added revenue.

In the end, relying on HD remakes is a very narrow view on the topic. BC probably isn't important for the entire life of a console, as was shown this gen, but a definite plus for the start of it.

[Philoctetes]

I had a BC PS3 for a couple of years before the optical disc failed. I used the BC feature a grand total of once. So yeah I'm completely indifferent to whether the PS4 is BC or not. If it is, great. If not, that's fine too.

[FunAndGun]

yeah, the only time I used BC on my PS3 fatty was to play GoW 2 again...That was it.

It is nice to have regardless, but not a deciding factor of me purchasing a PS4.

[Imalwaysright]

I replayed FF9, FF10, FF12, Hitman trilogy, PoP trilogy, TR Legend, TR Anniversay, Yakuza 3, San Andreas, GTA3, Kingdom Hearts, Killzone (tried to finish it but the game is crap), RE4, RE Code Veronica, Onimusha 2, GOW 1/2, All Splinter Cell games... on my 60 GB phat and that is just on the top of my head. I don't sell my games and invested too much money on them so obviously i want the PS4 to have BC because i didn't sell any of my PS3 games either.

[GalacticEmpire]

I'm sure I've said this before somewhere but I'll say it again anyway, backwards compatibility is OVERRATED.

Are people really buying new hardware just to play old games? I get that it's nice to have but most people really exaggerate the need for it.

[Captain Qwark 9]

i dont think thats the reason people want it. people like myself want it because a new consoles library is typically pretty weak for the first year or two with the exception of like 3 games. so you buy it to play those three games and in between those releases you play older games or new games that werent made for the new hardware.

theres also a good chance that many, liek myself again, have a huuuuuge backlog of games they havent gottent oo yet and would like to someday without the need to have two consoles hooked up.

lasty, if this was a 4-5 year cycle like they used to be, i may not have cared either but its been about 8 so far so i have a huge collection of games id rather just not box up and put to the side.

if the new consoles dont have it, i may just wait until they come down in price and keep playing my old systems. unless dark souls 2 is only next gen, then its day 1 for me

[GalacticEmpire]

I understand your POV and I have a decent sized collection (some unopened lol) myself but I'd rather save the extra money it would cost to implement BC on a new console off it's price. Like you say, if you feel there aren't enough games to keep you busy at the launch of a new console then why buy it? Just wait a few months and get it when there are, probably save you some money too.

[ginsunuva]

So then don't buy the hardware for the first year and play your ps3 instead.

[Gazondaily]

Have you seen how massive the library of games has been this gen? I still need to catch up and I'm running out of space in my room for all these consoles PLUS more consoles.

[GalacticEmpire]

What I do is 'promote' all my older games to my 'man cave' (not a euphemism) leaving room in my living room for newer games.

Anyway the size of ones backlog is not an argument for the level of importance in backwards compatibility as you don't have to throw your old console out the minute you get a new one.

[delboy]

Read the article again, 71% want BC
I want it to, because a own over 40 ps3 games.
Eventually I will sell my ps3 with 20+ games to be able to afford ps4.
I will hold on some games, like mgs collection, and it would be nice if could replay some of the best ps3 games without paying again.
I'm not a fan of re buying HD re releases.
I own and play mgs 1,2,3 original discs on my BC ps3.

To bad we won't have ps3 BC with ps4, but no reason to exclude ps1 and ps2 BC.

[superterabyte]

"To bad we won't have ps3 BC with ps4" what are the console specs again? Oh right you haven't seen it. Personally I believe it is possible that the first sku will be BC however the feature will likely be dropped in later sku's

[Enigma_2099]

Same way Microsoft/Nintendo will...
... they won't. But giving how expensive they'll probably be, with all the features they'll cram in there, it would make sense to cram it in there.

[3GenGames]

99% of a consoles features wanted are in software, not hardware. I'm sure the proposed hardware has been changed many times over the cost/wanted ability rather than any feature. Computers are so powerful, any feature you want can be added, just have to invest the time. The games are the only big features that need to know what the hardware provides, really. 2D menus and linked accounts is all server/software side.

[nugnugs]

Get some imagination 71% of people asked! Thats the most desired thing you wish from PS4? Virtual reality can be wished for if you want. It wont happen but you can wish for it.

[Rageanitus]

NOT for me.... just like when the ps3 first came out.
If you truly wanted to play ps2 games.... the unit was stil on sale for like 90 > 100 dollars

[stragomccloud]

Maybe it will be like xbox 360 making games "forwards compatible." Who knows, but that feature tops my list. I have more PS3 games than I even had PS2 games. Though... part of that is because when HD collections were announced I sold my old versions, and bought the new ones.

[JBSleek]

I doubt the PS4 will have BC and no the upcoming streaming service isn't BC

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Don't need BC. My most wanted feature is recordable gameplay.

[contradictory]

all i care about (other than obviously alot meatier machine)
1: bigger hard drive capacity 500GB - 1TB
2: affordable price 450€ - 600€
3: good games. obviously.
4: smaller console size. although not a dealbreaker.

[1nsaint]

I dont get why people want a smaller size console.. Whats the gain in that?
What i really dont understand is why people prefer a ps3 slim over a phat model, when the phat has backwards compatibility.

If its about phones or handhelds i understand, but a console isnt gonna fit in your pocket either way phat or slim..

[contradictory]

it saves up space
if you can do that then good
no need for pointlessly making the console bigger than is needed

the point is
come back when your house is full of old game consoles, games, books, movies, mangas and such

[1nsaint]

Yeah i quess thats true if your short on space, but for me a the size of a 360 and ps3 is small enough, i think most people have room for that.

But like you said, it wouldnt be a main selling point.

[brave27heart]

How about we play a game? Everyone list a feature you'd like the PS4 to have that you havent seen on one of the 100's of topics in the last month.

Id like the ability to change my username.

[Swiggins]

I'd like that as well, even if it cost a little bit of money (Like what Xbox does) I'd still like the option.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

I'd greatly appreciate system wide button mapping like on PC, instead of being tied to presets or the oft chance that a game actually has custom mapping.

[rustyspoon80]

I'd like the PS4 to do my job for me. That way I could sit at home and play actual PS4 games rather than PS3 games.
The PS3 will then go in the attic along side my other forgotten consoles. I'm sure there's even an Amstrad CPC 6128 up there.
Or it'll be used as a bluray player in the toilet or something.

[Smashbro29]

I'd pay a lot extra for a PS4 that had the PS3 hardware inside. All the games of the PS3, all the features of the PS4. Sounds worth it to me.

[Lucreto]

I want Backwards Compatibility with the PS3 but sadly I doubt it.

I wonder if there is a way with Gaikai that you can play the PS3 game for free if you have the disc in the drive.

[Kidmyst]

I wouldn't mind it, but don't need BC since I'll still have my PS3. but for anyone who maybe didn't buy a PS3, if the PS4 was BC then they could go back and play some PS3 games.

[tweet75]

playstation brand will be 20 in 2014. What a better way to celebrate than allow every playstation game in its history (ps1-ps3) playable on the ps4.

[Kratoscar2008]

BC is very important for me as this gen sucked for me, lots of good franchises ruined this gen and thus playing old gen games have been my gamming saving grace, besides if something is killing the Vita is its lack of BC in the for of an UMD port and so the PS4 would face the same problem.

Hecj if you are a JRPG fan the PS2 is still by far the place to be.

[Relientk77]

The PS1 and PS2 are my favorites in terms of JRPGs, and the number of great JRPGs on the PS3 in comparison to the PS2 and PS1 is way lower than it should be.

Tales of Graces f and Ni no Kuni are amazing though, love those games

[Kratoscar2008]

Well for this gen we have like what? 5 Good JRPGs? That´s really sad if you ask me.

In any case i cry for people that dont want to experience the good old games just because they arent in HD, very sad.

[Relientk77]

^Def agree with you

[Relientk77]

I play PS1, PS2, and PS3 games so yes I would love Backwards Compatibility

[CLOUD1983]

I agree also that bc is one of the most important feature PS4 can have in order to attract more ppl to buy it & the reason is simple, I already have my PS3 for almost 4 years what am I gonna do with the games I have already buy if something happen in the feature & my PS3 brake?

For me the best will be if I can play every PlayStation game I want PS1,2,3 & 4 ofc, I want 1 console able to play everything, also PSVITA games & I dont ask for improved graphics just to have the option to play VITA games on PS4 because some ppl cant stand playing games on handhelds u know so why we must loose a good game PSV might get because we prefer to play games comfortable in a big screen?

But other than bc what I really want to see in PS4 more than anything else is a lot of triple-A quality traditional JRPGs, PS3 was completely disappointing on that field & by far the worst PlayStation we get, what I want to see is games like Ni No Kuni & this game came now almost 7 years after the release of PS3...

[GribbleGrunger]

LOL, is it really!? What an uninspired, unimaginative bunch of munchkins they must have polled.

[abzdine]

not for me, at least for the physical support. if that will make PS4 more expensive than they better skip this feature cause i have a PS3.

[ALLWRONG]

I'll believe it when I see it. Sony is known for dropping BC in favor of selling remakes.

[jmac53]

BC is super important at the start of a generation because it gives people an incentive to stay with a brand. If the next Xbox doesn't have BC what is to keep me from going to the PS4. If it does than my decision is a lot easier. Same goes for PS3 owners. You would think these companies would want to hold onto their current install base transitioning into a new generation.

[R3DRAIN89]

i would like to see bc on ps4

[baodeus]

The general mentality is that people like to own everything and they dont like to let go unless they have to; therefore, it would be easier for consumer to adopt new console if they get to keep everything they already owned.

I dont see why that isn't a major benefit for both consumers and producers. It is like a win win situation.

[Skate-AK]

68% smaller size? I would be fine with being the size of a launch PS3 if it meant more power.