Sony Thought 'Long and Hard' Over PS4's Lack of Backward Compatibility

Push Square: "There’s no doubt that the PlayStation 4 is exciting for all sorts of reasons, but the next generation system’s lack of backward compatibility remains one of its biggest blemishes. While the manufacturer has promised to explore other methods of legacy support through Gaikai, the fact remains that your entire PlayStation 3 catalogue may never be supported by the impending machine. This, according to system architect Mark Cerny, was a subject that the entire company agonised over."

[iGAM3R-VIII]

I thought it had bc through Gaikai

[Baka-akaB]

Most likely ,but it's not detailed yet . But do you expect say Tekken tag 2 or killzone 2 to stream painlessly with online play ?

Do you expect every ps3 game to be made available at all , or swiftly on gaikai ?

What about the cost ? Is it free via psn+ subscriptions , or do each game cost an extra ? Or you get a limited amount before being charged extra ?

We dont know

[flyingmunky]

I personally believe it would be most fair to let you play the games you already own. For example, if you put Uncharted 3 in the console you should be able to stream that game from Gaikai for free.

Then again, bandwidth and hosting does cost money so Sony may require some fees in order to be able to do that. I just hope that the new console can use software emulation for both ps1 and ps2 games, it certainly has the power to do so.

That should all be answered at E3, it is going to be a big ass conference I wish I could go.

[GameNameFame]

"But do you expect say Tekken tag 2 or killzone 2 to stream painlessly with online play?"

Easily. if you understand how the tech works. It even offers some advantages since it is hosted in the centralized location.

[cayleee]

Its amazing how many people are whining about Bc yet are unwilling to do anything about it. Get a Pc for multiplats and a console for exclusives. Problem solved.

90% games are multiplat anyways. Buying them on Pc ensures BC and cheaper cost. Since PC has no gens BC is never a problem. No longer have to worry about not being able to play games you bought for thousands of usds.

I have over 150 games on steam no issues over not being able to play them ever. Mean while I can buy exclusives on console that way I dont lose my entire lib every time a new gen hits.

[USMC_POLICE]

No I can't even play spyro on Ps vita or download granturismo PSP that I paid for.

[nix]

as much as i didn't give much about backward compatibility, my PS3 died on me yesterday. now i'm in a dilema to whether buy a PS3 or wait for 6 months until PS4 comes out...

now i wished PS4 supported backward compatibility because i could skip buying PS3... i guess i'll see if i can hold out. lol. i guess for now Vita should keep me busy for a while.

[BattleAxe]

I think Sony should produce a more expensive console that has the cell processor inside to give people the option in addition to the regular PS4. Otherwise, you should be able to play all of the games that you have downloaded from the Playstation store through GaiKai.

If all you have are physical copies of games, then at least you are able to re-sell those games to get some money back out of it unlike people who have invested in digital downloads.

[miyamoto]

What i do know is that the PS3 will still be around many years (3-6 years) within the PS4 life cycle like the PS2 did during the PS3's.

Which is very good as PS3 could be available down to $149 to as low as $99 during PS4's lifetime.

I believe this is the most economical answer & solution to BC issue.

And if that is not enough Gaikai will be available on both PS3, PS4 and PS Vita.

Sony has made the right decision to stop this problem once and for all so it can start on a clean slate for future BC on future PlayStation consoles.

[N4Flamers]

What do people do with their consoles? I can understand if it breaks on you but barring that i dont have a reason to just get rid of my ps3. If its a matter of if you can afford it or not then just save up. You dont have to buy a console at launch.

[Baka-akaB]

Yeah either i aways keep my consoles

[kreate]

BC should of been addressed when Nintendo failed to make the super Nintendo BC w Nintendo.

In sony's case, it should of been addressed when ps3 dropped the BC.

Nextbox probably wont have BC either.

Its something sony offered. Gamers failed to appreciate it when it was there.

[wishingW3L]

@kreate very true. Too bad those 60GB PS3 are so unreliable though and now they are really expensive through Amazon. ;(

People gave the middle finger to gaming history just to save on a couple of bucks. Not even worth it because Sony said that the PS2 chip on the PS3 was pretty cheap but that they did some surveys and most people said that they didn't care for BC so they removed it. What a mistake, the masses always making the most retarded choices.

[iamtehpwn]

Backwards compatibility through Gaikai was actually a really smart decision. Coding a Cell processor emulator would be hard as hell and extremely difficult to perfect--and then for PS5 they'd have to do the do the process all over again for PS1-4. With Gaikai/Cloud processing, They will be able to offer PS1-3 games in full quality with no emulation quirks for PSVita, PS4, Sony Tablets and Phones as well as PS5 and beyond without increasing the cost of PS4 or any console after it.

If you think about BC via Gaikai, it's rather genius for cross compatibility and cost efficiency.

[Bathyj]

60gbs are unreliable?
Don't say that, mine is sitting right next to me, it will hear you.

I wonder if its possible to make an add on you can buy separately. Wont drive the price of the console up but its there for people who want bc.

That or just price drop the hell out of ps3.

[profgerbik]

"do you expect say Tekken tag 2 or killzone 2 to stream painlessly with online play ?"

If OnLive can, Gaikai can do it better.

[Baka-akaB]

Except Onlive didnt . Fighting games didnt run smoothly .

Now i can't knock gaikai yet , i'm just asking myself and others , without yet answers and more details to turns to

[turnerdc]

What are you talking about Baka? I have Super Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition on OnLive and it runs great.Check these videos of it being played on OnLive:

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[NukaCola]

PS Plus should have an lonine library like SEGA Channel did but with last gen and before's games. I would pay $5-10 to get access or better yet, be able to stream all those games for a price. I could see them doing something like microsubscriptions, like an $15-20 bucks for a year of PLAYSTATION LIBRARY APP pending your a PSN or PS+ member.

[Baka-akaB]

Meh your videos shows nothing . There was definitively lag back when it released , too much for the non casual Street fighter 4 players .

And no it wasnt just about my connexion , a good chunk of us were curious when Onlive actually had hype behind it and the Fighting game community tried it .

[sikbeta]

BC over Gaikai is going to be a challenge I really want to see, streaming games over 25GB = UC2+UC3+GOW3... it's going to be impossible unless your ISP is like 100mb/s or something...

[jcnba28]

I agree, no BC was a deal breaker for me.

[turnerdc]

Say what you want Baka but (speaking from personal experience) it runs great for me and many others. If it's not running "smoothly" then it probably was your connection. Maybe latency issues caused by a firewall or your distance from their servers.

[Saigon]

I am trying to understand this and I hope someone can help.

Why is everyone giving the Gaikai service that PS4 is going to offer the middle finger?

I guess i ask because I see nothing of people praising the service, saying it was a good move and they have a high level of disagrees applied. Why? Why do you disagree? i hate when people do that on this site.

i guess I am a little peeved because we yet to have seen the capabilities of the services and everyone is judging. Granted OnLive was not successful, but they haven't had the backing of a company like Sony or even MS. From what I heard the service was OK but I heard the Gaikai service was a little better, though this means nothing. The biggest problem, I have is that this is mainly for BC games. i mean, is there anyone out there that still play PS2 games on their PS3, via original PS2 disk, download from PSN, or remastered PS3 version.

When the PS4 comes out if there are no games that suit my interest, I will find my self playing some PS3 games via the Gaikai Service but that will be a hard stretch since we are going to see several exclusives plus a multiple number of multi-plat titles that will release at the same time. Besides Watch Dog, i expect a PS4 and Next Xbox version of GTA5, all EA sports games and many other games that are announced for this winter.

I blame BC on Sony, the spoiled us gamers...

[Baka-akaB]

@turnerdc

Let's just agree to disagree , especially when i right of the gate told you it wasnt a connexion issue .

Since you wanna post useless video , i can give you one too where lag is apparent
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

And then i'm done on the subject , like i said i was hardly the only one guy trying it .

The tech is maybe neat for some games , but got its limits for some genres

[turnerdc]

And therein lies the issue Baka. OnLive is a variable experience. You can't say that it "doesn't work" because your experience wasn't great when you have other people (like me and many others) saying that it works just fine. You're making quite the generalization. It does work IF your latency with their servers is good. While you say it's not your connection there's no way to be a hundred percent sure. If you checked out the videos I posted the players stated that it felt like playing local and the button presses felt instantaneous to them. I'll agree that it does work...it just didn't work for you.

[Baka-akaB]

I keep telling you i wasnt the one or only one concerned ,and didnt claimed it doesnt work .

I dont feel like sharing my details with you , i just indeed know that my connexion and its musing with the server isnt the issue here . I could even confirm it at my work's office (A bloody ISP's main office to boot) . Trust it or dont , but i'll remain adamant on this .

And this isnt about me . You keep telling me about those "many" users with great experience . For starters i doubt it was that "many" as onlive itself didnt manage a big following thus far , and when its doubtful a big chunk of it even bothered with fighting games .

Meanwhile , i do know and saw multiples tentatives and trials from curious onlookers from some of the proeminant fighting games , stret fighter specialized sites and community . Some with measurement as accurate as possible within parameters ... and the consensus was that there is some lag in most cases .

Its degree varies , but while playable it certainly is a bother for most non casual Steeet fighter 4 players that tried thus far .

it's hardly just me speaking as some fool disgruntled by his wn experience with Onlive . But take it with a grain of salt obviously as you wish

Again where is even the onlive fighting game community to show otherwise ?

Let's just once and for all agree to disagree , fresh out of bubbles anyway . Of course i'm going to trust my experiences and those from fellow fighting games fanatics , over guys from the Onlivefans forum (when do they ever complain about anything onlive anyway ?) , among other things . I'm talking about a bunch of folks , myself included , that are an*l retentive over stuff like screens input lags among over things

What i'll concede is that most of those trials were done at the launch of the game

[turnerdc]

"Except Onlive didnt . Fighting games didnt run smoothly ."

So now I'm a bit confused. You start off saying that OnLive doesn't run fighting games smoothly and now you're saying that the experience varies with it being playable and not being a bother to casual players (which makes up the VAST majority of console players now days). Basically you're agreeing with what I've been saying all along. It's a variable experience that is definitely playable under good circumstances with the lag only being a bother/noticeable to the more veteran/dedicated fighting game fans. Oh, and I haven't seen that kind of mentality over at OnLiveFans in a looooooooong time. I think everyone over there knows OnLive isn't perfect. Hell, there are many problems I find with OnLive (mostly with game selection and community outreach) but supposedly they've been hard at work fixing these with OnLive 2.0. I've actually been avoiding OnLiveFans the past 6 months because of all the negativity over there (mostly due to the company crisis it recently faced) but with the recent rumblings coming from OnLive HQ things seem like they might be finally coming around. In the end, I'm just a game player (have been for the past 18 some odd years) and I like all platforms (including OnLive). I'm not saying fighting games on OnLive work ALL the time for EVERYONE, I'm just saying that it does indeed work. It's definitely possible for Sony to provide a comparable if not better experience through Gaikai.

[NeverEnding1989]

SONY better continue thinking hard about the issue. Many, many people will refuse to buy the PS4 if there is no BC. At the very least, many people won't buy day 1 like they originally planned. Need proof? Look below and on any other article regarding PS4 BC.

Gaikai is great. But I am NOT buying my PS3 games again. If SONY refuses to support the games I bought from them on their new system, I will no longer support them. You can't abandon your core audience like that and expect them to just buy the games again via Gaikai. Who do these guys think they are?

SONY didn't have full BC this gen and as a result 50 million PS2 owners crossed the floor to Xbox and Wii. If SONY doesn't want another 50 million fans to abandon them, I think they will revise their plan.

[coolbeans]

"SONY didn't have full BC this gen..."

Actually, they did in one case. It was just unfortunately only tied into the 60GB phat PS3 model that's been discontinued for a long time now.

Edit: At least, that's the only one I remember.

[flyingmunky]

Based on your comments I doubt you have very many (if any) ps3 games to rebuy. I guess you are trying to speak to the general public who actually likes the ps3? You certainly don't speak for me...

[Monkeysmarts]

If you don't want to rebuy your PS3 games then keep your PS3.

[IRetrouk]

Funny thing is bc was never a feature of any console before sony did it with the ps2, now suddenly its a must, you know the 360 doesnt have full bc either dont you? I dont care about bc, didnt use it on ps2 or my 60 gig ps3, once the ps4 comes out im not gonna play too many ps3 games, plus for the few exclusives that come out for it my ps3 will be right there just like my ps2 and ps1 was, its not a problem and i dont think it will stop many people from buying the ps4, didnt stop peps buying the ps3 did it? I mean you have made it clear that you dont really like playstation so why keep coming and spewing crap?

[Aceman18]

i don't have a problem keeping my PS3, so the PS4 not having B/C is not a problem for me.

when i had the 60gig phat i barely played any of my PS1, PS2 games.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

lol nobody is being *abandoned* there are just sacrifices to be made. If you're the so called core audience, then I would think you want the PS4 to play PS4 games. It's not like they're instantly dropping support for the PS3. Now that would be abandoning the audience. My first PS3 played PS2 games. My current PS3 of 3 1/2 years does not. Do I miss it? Nope. I'm playing in the present, not the past. Sure, picking up an old game now n then is great for nostalgia n all that, but again, your PS3 still works. If someone isn't going to buy a PS4 solely because of a convenience issue, then I don't know what to tell you.

[ginsunuva]

LOOK AT HIS USERNAME.

Now stop feeding him.

[Mr-Dude]

I personally couldn't care less for BC. When i'm buying the PS4 and maybe next Xbox i'm buying it for the NEW games. Those games, are coming out on a NEXT-GEN console, so after a while i'm used to the graphics etc. Why would I play old games on a PS4/X720? Most here are gonna play NEW games or am i wrong?

[Clarence]

What! Those 50m console owners that supposedly crossed over to the WiI and 360? You do know that the PS&PS2 reached that 100m mark after 9-10yrs.
How do you know if the those fans aren't waiting for the PS3 to hit $99-199 price point.

One thing is for sure Sony will continue to support both consoles unlike another company we know.

The PS3 has been on the market for 7yrs.

By your logic I guess M$ is in real trouble because they've abandon their core audience last year.

The PS4 will sell.

[ziggurcat]

i could care less about BC... i don't really understand the want/need to be able to play games you've probably already played to death on current/past systems.

[smashcrashbash]

I think you need to look again. On the site that this article was on several commenters said they don't care about BC.It won't be as many people as you think it will be. No one is forcing you to buy PS3 games AGAIN. Just buy PS4 games or keep your PS3 until you are ready to make the change.You really believe 50 million people will abandon the PS4 because it had no backward compatibility? N64 people didn't abandon the Wii because it didn't support N64 games.Have you forgotten Nintendo makes you download games from past systems too? How is that any different then what Sony is doing?

[Ducky]

^ N64 used cartridges. Wii used discs... and there was a generation between the two systems.

I'm not even sure why you felt like bringing Nintendo into it. An act doesn't become justified just because someone else has already done it.

[MrBeatdown]

Boy, if those 50 million jumping ship are that upset that the PS4 won't play PS3 games, I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they try to play their PS3 games on the 720.

[ziratul]

You will be able to buy PS3 super slim for years to come. They have stopped producing PS2 only recently.

[generic-user-name]

You have PS3 games? Take a look at the manual or packaging, I'm sure it'll tell you that those games are for use with the PS3 system, not PS4. I don't know where people get this sense of entitlement from, you paid for a PS3 game? Then you play it on your PS3.

BC is a nice feature, one that Sony never owed us. Do you play N64 games on your Wii U? Can you play all you Xbox games on 360(on 51% compatible)?

And yet the ones who made BC a thing in the first place, are the ones who are getting the most crap over it. I'll be keeping my PS3 for my PS3 games (for a long time considering the healthy lineup it still has) and I'll get the PS4 day one for PS4 games.

"SONY didn't have full BC this gen and as a result 50 million PS2 owners crossed the floor to Xbox and Wii."

What a ridiculous statement to make, there were so many other factors at play (also the PS3 was BC at first regardless).

[DeadlyFire]

They did with PS3 60 GB. Only problem with that is the costs it added on top of everything else was to much for Sony so they had to drop it thanks to Blu-Ray.

They could do the same for PS4 with a PS3 Cell+RSX chip on the side, but it might cost a little more as well as require possibly a new deal with those chips from NVIDIA again. I doubt that is happening with the way NVIDIA is talking down about Sony's next platform. 4 CUs from AMD could work out though. Its roughly the same as RSX specs to run 4 CU in its place. CPU wise though how do you replicate the Cell in a simpler and cheaper way.

[NeoTribe]

So they all flocked to the other two consoles that dont have bc? Smart bunch arnt they. Also, they did have full bc when it first came out. Nobody used it so they got rid of it to make there overpriced console cheaper. I personally leave last gen behind when a new one arrives. I personally dont have the time nor the will to go back in the past to play games ive already played and beaten. Have a hard enough time keeping up with whats commin out as it is. If its that bid of a deal to the minority such as yourself, why not do yourself a favor and keep the ps3 if you get the ps4. Yet again you claim youll not buy ps4 but youll gladdly go buy another one of the non bc next gen consoles. Sigh.... Logic dead out the door.

[Jek_Porkins]

Backwards compatibility means putting in the old disc and having it play. Not sure how they are going to handle old games, but most likely you'll have to pay for them again.

The big problem is that if you look at the games that were out that were amazing on PS1/PS2, you see maybe 25% of that content available right now on PSN, they are missing so many of the great games, it'll probably be the same way with the PS4, it wont be a complete library of PlayStation games that are available, they pick and choose.

[DigitalRaptor]

I don't think they're going to make you re-buy your games and here's why:

Despite their financial worries as a company, SCE have it good now. Gamers are happy with the PS4 reveal, developers are happy with the PS4, the Vita is looking up. PS3 is in its twilight years, but still has plenty of upcoming content that has people excited. Sony have been listening to its consumers, developers and third party in the industry such as retailers and it's showing. The Xbox rumors are making the PS4 look very attractive indeed. There's simply a lot of positive buzz around their gaming division atm.

Do they want to mess this all up AT ALL? definitely not when there's ways to provide gamers with what they deserve.

The way i see it, it's possible for digital games tied to your account to be accessible via Gaikai - all they need is an algorithm to detect purchased games on your account.

As far as disc based PS3 games go, I'm sure Sony have been investigating this one for a long time. Perhaps the PS4 will recognise the disc somehow, or it could be tied into trophies somehow, and then let you play it via Gaikai.

And if not, then tough gravy i guess. at least they've thought long and hard about it and made the effort. I'd rather not be that selfish guy that would rather see the PS4 release at a higher cost for including last gen complications. You buy a new console for ITS OWN games. I'm keeping my PS3 anyway.

[DeadlyFire]

BC won't be an issue in the future if they stick with x86 on their next platforms.

PS1, PS2 were built around RISC. PS3 was as well, but it was so complex of a design shift to the Cell that any PS2 games that exist had to be reworked just to function on the Cell. If the Cell had 2-3 PPEs then it would not have been so bad.

PS4 is x86 so likely PS1, PS2, PS3 games will not function at all on it, but it holds a great promise for the future if x86 is on PS5 as well. It would mean PS4 games will be 100% compatible with it.

[OlgerO]

I bet that sony is really happy about the lack of negative backlash on the backwards compatability

[OlgerO]

I bet that sony is really happy about the lack of negative backlash on the lacking backwards compatability

[fermcr]

But Gaikai has to be always online ** cough, cough, Microsoft's next Xbox ** even if you want to play single player games. In all honesty i don't find Gaikai (or similar services) interesting. I'm going to avoid purchasing games thru it like the plague.

[wishingW3L]

same here. Gaikai acquisition was just a waste of money for Sony if you ask me, it was a little too soon. That thing is not gonna work until the internet evolves much more.

When 20MB becomes the standard then that will be the day... As of now latency will kill gaming through Gaikai.

[shadow2797]

You realize that Sony is using Gaikai technology to do a lot of the standout features of the PS4? Live streaming? Gaikai. Play while downloading? Gaikai. Remote play that actually works? Gaikai.

The acquisition of Gaikai was about a lot more than just playing games over a server. Watch the conference again and see how many times Gaikai is mentioned outside the context of a streaming gaming service.

[BrianC6234]

Gaikai isn't a feature of the PS4 though. It's a service Sony will have that will let you be able to play games on other systems like the PS4. It was a good idea to leave PS3 support out of the PS4 though. It would add too much to the cost. Maybe they can drop the price of the PS3 way down so everyone can always buy an extra PS3 if they need one for old games. It's better to spend the money on things like 8GB of GDDR5 RAM.

[rainslacker]

The article stated that it wouldn't be hard to manufacture the Cell chip, leaving me to assume it wouldn't add much to the cost. The bigger concern was that apparently there are other chips or technologies involved in the PS3 that would be required for PS3 BC. It's not something I had really considered since most of that could likely be emulated, but emulation comes at a cost, and needs to be supported for the long term.

Cost may have been part of it, but that could be offset by a separate SKU that offered it.

I'm not really put off by it. Still would like some confirmation on PS1/2 BC through emulation since that's pretty easy on a low-mid range x86 PC nowadays.

[pete007]

not so fast, even so, they have to license all 3rd party games, we complain of controller input lag and game responsiveness on low fps titles, imagine on streamed ones, maybe with a terabyte dowload speed, keep dreaming, Watching a movie has nothing to do with playing a game, in about 20 years it´ll be possible if we dont go full scale war against north korea,

[nan0]

They need to think long and hard about it again, it shouldn't take that long to realize they need to do this.

[brave27heart]

They dont need to do it at all. Im betting the vocal minority here who are critical of Sony for no bc are probably gaming on a none bc PS3 and the lack of bc isnt really an issue.

[TheKayle1]

is impossible to get bc trough gaikai coz is impossible to a not-cell architecture to emulate it...(or maybe too hard)...so lets figure this..if u want software ps4 through gaikai u need gaikai have millions of ps3 connected together to serve the ppl...= impossible this is the problem they got...and this mean no bc....

u will get SOME old games throug gaikai and some conversion (multiplat) but not CELL games

[Knushwood Butt]

At the end of the day, you are buying a PS4 to play PS4 games.

If you have a collection of PS3 games, chances are you have a PS3 to play them on.

I have a phat PS3 to play my PS2 games on, and I haven't powered it on in years. I keep most of my fave PS2 games, and kid myself that one day I'll actually have the time to play them again.

[otherZinc]

SONY has swindled people yet again:

N4G'ans scream "always on is stupid"... well not being able to play your gaming library you've already purchased is "stupid"!

Now, PS4 owners MUST ALWAYS BE ONLINE in order for a very slim chance that Gaikai will be able to stream your games to the PS4...MAKES MOST THINK HUH... Also, at a fee

Also, people wishing it will happen, because SONY says we're working on it...No, you've had 7 Years to work on it; its more BS SONY Speak.

(by the way, this wont happen, SONY would rather charge people for remakes, as theyre doing now for the supposed backwards compatible PS3;remember that?)

You guys get your head out of the friggin sand!

[Jaces]

Gamecube didn't have BC for N64 games, not a big deal then, so why is it a big deal now? Never understood this. You want to play PS3 games then hook up your PS3 and play them.

Yes I understand the convenience of BC but it's never been a game changer or big deal in any way. We've just become spoiled over the years.

[Smashbro29]

Hardware or bust.

[Gimmemorebubblez]

Look when I first bought my PS3 when the slim-model launched I missed some of the Ps2 games I used to own. I played the hell out of my Ps3 on Killzone 2's online, Mass Effect 2, MAG.......etc. on my Ps3 but I missed some of my Ps2 games.

A few years later I replayed the PC version of my favorite Ps2 game on my PC, it wasn't the same, the fond memories of the game seemed tainted afterwards. I think I might miss some of my Ps3 games but there will be so many awesome games coming to the Ps4 that I will be to occupied in the limited time I have to play games playing new releases. If you how ever are so AGONIZED that you cant play your favourite Ps3 game on your Ps4; for God's sake just keep your Ps3. Sony aren't holding a gun to your head.

Edit: Gakai???

[red2tango]

I would agree but it's nice to have. When I wanted to go back to SOCOM 2 I had to buy a PS2. That being said, PS4's architecture is way different and backwards compatibility would cost money. If they can do it through Gakai; great, if they can't, oh well.

Just release SOCOM 2 HD multiplayer only FFS

[jimbobwahey]

Some people sell their old consoles to subsidize the cost of buying new ones.

Some people don't want a whole bunch of different consoles under their TV, but just one.

Some people don't want to keep around old hardware just to play digital content that doesn't carry forward. Do you see people keeping their old iPhone to use apps they've purchased once a new one comes out? No, because the vast majority of companies ensure that digital content carries forward onto new devices.

Sony should have announced a more expensive, premium version of the PS4 console that contains a Cell processor for backwards compatibility, which would make everybody happy. Those who wanted BC could spend the extra cash, while those that don't want it can go for the standard version of the console. Everybody wins. Why Sony hasn't gone this route is utterly baffling and incredibly foolish.

[KrisButtar]

I agree with you 100% I would pay an extra $400 on the PS4 if there is a premium version. My friends and I don't have internet where we live, so Gaikai won't work for us.

Consoles don't last forever, when my PS3 inevitably dies am I supposed to buy one again just because PS3 games aren't compatible with the PS4? as far as Im concerned there is no justifiable reason for a lack of BC.

In other forms of media we have always had transitional electronics, VHS/DVD combos for when movies changed format, we had Cassette Tapes/CDs players for when music changed. So I don't see why they should not have a PS4 with the cell to make the transition easier

[Aceman18]

what that more expensive premium model was $600 like the PS3 would you buy it?

this is question is for everyone here.

[zebramocha]

But if you intend to own more than one console,you would more than likely have one hooked to your tv.

[BlaqMagiq24]

Why? Because it's financial suicide. Why create another model if only a vocal minority is going to buy it? A lot of unsold models will just be sitting on shelves while Sony suffers a financial loss from it. It'll be the PS3 launch all over again but worse. Foolish you say? It's the smartest thing for Sony to do.

[rainslacker]

Because that vocal minority may be large enough to actually offset the cost. There are some that may just purchase the more expensive model just because it's premium. There's nothing to say that they would go unsold, and if the value was there some people may pick it up just because it's a better value, and offers more choice.

There is also nothing to say that they have to produce it in mass quantities, and likely a version like that would be coveted by collectors far into the future, much like the current 60GB phat models are now.

I'd definitely pay $100-150 more for a premium model with BC, and I've seen many many people have a similar train of thought. There are many people that play older games, and we are not a small minority.

[indysurfn]

The problem with 'just keep your ps3/xbox' is this. 1 stores like gamestop offer a nice amount of credit for the machine. 2 usually manufacturers offer a trade up/in incentive. This would take that away. It is the same as saying, just give up that $100+ credit each generation! Don't use it to help you jump to the next generation!

on another note if rumors are true and Microsoft does not allow you to start a game without the internet there are a lot of people that the xboxNEXT will not work for!

[Trago1337]

Lack of BC is really a disappointment.

[Shuyin]

Keep your PS3 ;(

[MikeMyers]

I guess we'll have to. Sony already dropped BC on the newer PS3's so we kinda knew going forward this might be an issue on the PS4 as well.

[jimbobwahey]

Yeah it is. Console looks great, launch games look good, controller is solid and online services look good. Discovering that there's no backwards compatibility was enough to kill my excitement though. There's no way I'm spending cash on a brand new console at launch if it doesn't have backwards compatibility, I'll stick to my PS3/360 instead and wait until one of the next gen consoles has a pricedrop.

Unless the next Xbox has BC that is, in which case I'll buy that.

[gamertk421]

Console looks great? Have you seen what it looks like before the rest of the gaming public?

[jimbobwahey]

When I said that the console looks great it was under the assumption that people with common sense would understand that I was saying so in regards to the PS4 as a device, not the aesthetics.

[strickers]

Choosing a console based on BC is idiotic .

[CustardTrout]

That's what she said.

[memots]

Bam !

Yeah my wife like's that i am backward compatible.

[Kietz]

I see a lot of re-releases via the store.
Being able to run past games via cloud service will not nearly be as good as playing the game directly from console.

At the end of the day, while Sony is offering some form of backwards compatibility, this is still a somewhat veiled way of selling you your games again. Something they are very good at and never shy away from.

[cannon8800]

You know what else was long and hard after the feb 20 presentation? Patience to get my hands on one.... what did you think I was gonna say? My penis? lol ok maybe a little...

[indysurfn]

LOL and now we know why your name is Cannon!

[cannon8800]

lol ewwwww no not that haha

[ifritAlkhemyst]

I don't get why these companies don't just create PC emulators for consoles beginning two generations back. The entire PSone catalog should be playable on PC using an official Sony PSone Emulator. When PS4 releases, a PS2 emulator should be sold.

[Unlimax]

All i have to say is wait for E3 guys .. Just wait :]

Hmmm .. Mystery ;P !

[play17boy]

As long as it keeps the price from being over $500 i don't care. I will just keep my PS3 hooked up.

[Summons75]

Sounds like more excuses to me but really we all know you left it out to charge your supporting customers for their ps3 games again. Unless you can redeem your ps3 games somehow to play on Gaikai on ps4 (which even if you promise I won't believe because that was a lie you told about the vita launch-being able to get your psp games into a digital version for vita then you quietly killed that and played dumb)

Sony so far i like the ps4 but you really make stupid decisions and try and hide the truth.

[Yodagamer]

I can understand not having ps3 backwards compatiblity, but why can we have ps1/ps2. The ps3 had ps1 on all models, and the excuse for ps2 was ram issues which we later got ps2 games emulated on ps3. So what gives? Oh well it will still be a great console.

[wishingW3L]

not to mention PS2 emulators run on PCs that have lowers specs than the PS4 so there is not excuse in even dropping BC of PS1 too! If the PS4 will use x86 architecture why Sony can't pay those guys to port their ePSXe and PCsx2 emulators and then sell the software through PSN for those that care? Everybody wins and Sony makes its money too!

We Win, they Win. Everybody Wins! I mean, Ouya will have emulators so why the PS4 can't have them too? Imagine Sega selling Dreamcast software emulation through PSN for those with Dreamcast games? That'd be a dream come true to retro-gamers and collectors alike. And the best thing of all is that it would be optional. Only those that want it will pay, that's it. ;)

[Holeran]

I might be one of the wierd few people but I was hoping for a long time that they would decide to use thier 32 spu cell processor in the PS4 with 8 gigs of ram and a good gpu. They have had a 32 spu cell processor for quite a long time and i thought it would be a beast. Regardless it probably would of been a bad idea and am quite happy with the specs of the PS4.

[SugarSoSweet]

I wish it cud play PSX games at least I have a collection of PSX games like Tekken 4 RR Type 4 etc

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

for consoles becoming more and more PC like, it definatley seems like a scam that BC can't be achieved out of box as a standard feature...

This should be a no brainer feature!

[Mr_Writer85]

But don't PC's also have trouble with BC? I've had trouble playing older games on a PC in the past, and its usually been an operating system problem.

So don't try and pretend that PC's don't have the same problem as consoles

Oh and to the person who said 'just release are more expensive one'. I'm sure it's really easy just to slap a cell in there, and it won't cost them anything at all.

Expect it will, they had two launch PS3's one had BC and was more expensive, and guess what it didn't sell that well. In fact it wasnt until they cut the features down to help bring down the price that they started making a profit.

So unless you are willing to fund it, may I suggest you just keep your PS3.

[Donnieboi]

You don't know anything about this issue, do you?

[tweet75]

i like backwards compatibility as "future insurance". In 10, 15, 20 years I like to know ill still be able to play my games even if my console breaks down and is no longer made. When console makers add backwards compatibility its a great buying incentive . Also it still enrages me you wont be able to play your psn purchases on ps3 on ps4. I thought those purchases were for life.

[Mr_Writer85]

They are on your PS3.

You log onto a PS3 in 15 years time and they will still be there.

[Mozef]

why I would worry about the Backward Compatibility???

When I still have my PS3 to play the PS3 games, so if I want to go back and play PS3 games, then I guess it wont be better than its original machine developed for. Ask your self what kind of improvement will you get from playing PS3 games in PS4 machine? I guess same same, PS3 games will stay the same.

[Imalwaysright]

Not having BC is the only thing (from what we have been told so far) that i find negative about the PS4.

[WickedLester]

Right. And MS could really use that to their advantage at the unveil of the next Xbox if they come out and announce 100% backwards compatibility and dlc carry over for all 360 content.

[telekineticmantis]

playstation impliment something that recognizes what PS3 game is on disc, and it sends you to GaiKai, to allow you to play it. Right now PS3 has better games coming out and a deeper back catalog.

[ExCest]

Piracy (tricking the console into thinking it read a PS3 disc) possibly and most definitely the cost issue.

[R_aVe_N]

I don't buy new consoles for old games... I had the option to play old games all this gen but I never did you know why? I would rather spend my time playing new games on a new console. As far as PSN games well I delete them as soon as I beat them and never play them again.

[Monkeysmarts]

Hey now, that's quite enough of that rational thinking there. A bunch of solid features and a solid base for future gaming in the hardware? Check. WON'T LET ME PLAY OLD GAMES MADE FOR OLD HARDWARE???? AAHHHHHHHHHHH *ragequit*

[R_aVe_N]

I am sorry I get ahead of myself sometimes I will try again. Grrr I can't play old games that I have already played! Damn my eyes what is it that I am seeing. THAT IS IT I AM BUYING A WII U DAMN YOU SONY!!! *bashes PS3 with a large wooden mallet*

[stage88]

I would have at least like PS1 native support. It's been there in all other Sony consoles.
We'll see at E3.

[AceofStaves]

Meh. Lack of BC isn't a deal breaker for me by any means. I still have my original PSX and PS2 in working order, and I'll be keeping my PS3 as well. It's funny how some people bitch and complain about lack of BC, but when the 60 Gig PS3 launched, its sales were poor, prompting Sony to do some research and discover that - lo and behold - most people who bought the PS3 weren't interested in the feature. Sony removed it as a means of cutting down PS3 manufacturing costs, thus lowering the price on the newer PS3 models.

Of course, this move also enabled Sony to find new revenue streams by re-releasing some previous-gen titles digitally, and remaster other older titles in HD for those who wanted to play older games with an upgraded experience.

I have a hard time believing that there are a lot of gamers out there with comprehensive libraries of older titles from previous gens and no consoles to play them on. Retro gamers and game collectors keep their old systems for that purpose. Will Sony lose some PS4 sales because of lack of BC? Maybe. But I doubt it will be a large number.

[Aceman18]

i gotta agree with you here i only have a few copies of PS1, PS2 games around so i really never used the B/C in my 60 gig phat model much.

once they took it out i actually never got it a second that as i was looking forward to more PS3 titles.

to me its not that huge a deal breaker and i still have my PS3 slim so i'll just use that if i wanna go back and play some games.

[Spore_777]

BC was a great feature on the PS2, but in truth, I only ever replayed Metal Gear Solid. I focused mostly on the PS2 games as they were released.

When I got a PS3, I was not bummed out by using an emulator to replay classics (because I sold my PS2).

Once I get a PS4, I will focus mostly on PS4 games.

I speak for myself when I say this: BC is a huge bonus but it is not a must have feature. If the developers feel the architecture will hinder them from incorporating BC, but will allow them to pump out solid titles for that particular gen, then I do not see why I should fuss so much about not being able to play my PS3 games on the PS4. When the nostalgia hits, I will either plug in my older console or use an emulator. That's just me.

[GamerzElite]

I remember when sony removed PS3 Backwards compatibility through FW update and Internet flooded with PS3 fail articles but still without Backwards compatibility PS3 manage to sale 70+ million units. Same will happen this time again, and everyday a new article came out about PS4 features, capability it shows most of gamers really interested in PS4. There is so many NextGen games releasing with and releasing within couple of months around launch date of PS4.

[Hicken]

They didn't remove BC through firmware updates. Thy removed it by removing hardware in subsequent models. Any PS3 that had PS2 BC STILL has it, and PS1 BC is present in ALL models.

That said, I think people are looking at this the wrong way. Having BC is a bonus: not having a bonus isn't a negative. NOT having a bonus isn't bad. It's just not an extra positive.

I admit, I REALLY like being about to play my PS1 games in my PS3. And I wish it could play PS2 games, as well. But not only do I still have both my PS1 AND my PS2, but if the need ever arose, it wouldn't cost THAT much to buy a replacement. Certainly not as much as it would cost to buy, say, a PS3 with the ability to play PS2 games, or a PS4 with the ability to play PS3 games. The digital games not being available is slightly more annoying. SLIGHTLY, because I can well imagine all the changes that'd have to be made in order for PS3-specific games to be playable on the PS4's considerably different architecture.

[TheUndertaker85]

All models of PS3 still have some form of backward compatibility. 20, 60, and some 80GB models all play both PSOne and PS2 games from a physical disc. All other models at least play physical PSOne games.

But then again, none of those other models ever included PS2 BC. Some 80GB models even launched without it. It was never removed via firmware.

[asmith2306]

If you want to play your PS3 games keep your PS3. Is that so difficult?

[PooEgg]

As long as they don't jump on the "always on/online only" bandwagon, and as long as they don't ban used games I am fine with them leaving BC out. Of course, I would much rather have BC, but I can live without. These days I just want to a good reliable console with no-nonsense attached, and lots of good games to chose from.

[ado908]

They just don't want to lose sales on PS3 consoles, which is stupid because it will raise PS4 sales.

[FightFans]

if you want to play ps3 games then get ps3, simple as that.

[TheUndertaker85]

Who really cares and why should this be such a big deal?

You have PS3 games you want to play? Odds are you already have a PS3 then. So uh, why not keep it to play your PS3 games? If you don't own a PS3 what are you worried about PS3 games for?

I'll be getting PS4 for PS4 games, the social aspects, and the cross controller options.

[VonBraunschweigg]

Simple, some of us have old fat refirbed Playstations that will die a horrible slow painfull death in the coming months because we won't give it any rest and keep on playing, beyond the ylod. For me two times.

I will buy my PS4 for PS4 games. But I'm hoping I can get my PS3 games through Gaikai for free or with a discount. Especially the ones I boughton PSN, like WipEout HD. If you continue a service into next gen you should also allow gamers to continue playing the games they bought through that service.

My PS3 will be dead by then. If I can't play my PS3 games for free through Gaikai I have to buy another PS3 or all the games again. Or just some games, which won't be an easy pick:)

[Funky Town_TX]

BC is cool when a new console first launches but after a year it does not matter. But I remember Sony killing M$ when the PS3 launched because the 360 kinda had BC. What a bunch of Hips on N4G.

[Pillsbury1]

Backwards compatibility is not possible, ps3 and ps 4 have a different architecture.

[wishingW3L]

PC has different architecture to the Snes, Saturn, Neo-Geo, PS2 and it can emulate them all on lower specs than the PS4. And you an be sure that the in a couple of years the PS3 will be emulated too on an emulator made by a bunch of amateur programmers.

This not emulation stuff is just an excuse for Sony to sell the same old games again on the PS4.

[Pillsbury1]

You seriously can't think the ps4 will have the power to emulate ps3 cell do you? In years when pc's are powerful enough then it will be able to emulate it, but they can't now.

[fsfsxii]

Even if they do, which will take years, because.. you, the CELL, and goodluck downloading 15+ gigs of games

[chukamachine]

I remember thinking long and hard over a weekend of partying.

In the end I came to the conclusion that the egg came first. No wait. I meant the chicken, or was it the egg.

It was a good weekend.

Obviously a joke, don't want to lose a bubble or anything!

[Supermax]

People that have ps3 will be trade in it in for the new system not keep it for older games,I'm thinking the games you already own are tied to your psn account,therefore allowing you to stream the games you've already bout.sony wont spend the money to make ps4 backward compatible there on a tight budget to beat or match the next xbox a price point.

[thebudgetgamer]

I think Sony should make this Gaikai thing exactly like the Sega channel was and combine it with PS+ or its own thing.
For fifty bucks a year I would get that.

[Jaqen_Hghar]

Insert generic penis joke here

[MasterCornholio]

" The bigger they are the harder they come"
Mind Jack

Motorola RAZR i

[DivineAssault]

i didnt care for this gen of games too much so even though lack of physical BC sucks, i personally wont miss much.. i rarely ever use BC on any of my previous consoles & im keeping my PS3 any damn way.. Im happy they decided to go w easier to develop hardware over another complex console.. Though Gaikai isnt fully ready to support all PS catalog of games, im sure it will have enough of them eventually. Plus if this gen is anything to go by, all the classics will get remastered in 1080p 60fps again..

[Knightofelemia]

PS4 having no backwards compatability does not shy me away from the console. I'm not getting rid of my PS3 too many memories and long nights thrown on her. My PS3 will sit in my collection with my Xbox 360, PS2, PS1 and my other old consoles right next to my SNES and Master System.

[Why o why]

what are tgey saying....I cant play ps3 games. No goof way to spin that. That would be no good at all. I could do without ps2 compatibility but I couldnt do without ps3 compatibility. Im not re purchasing a ps3 if my current one dies. Thats NOT cosher mate

[kingPoS]

Anyone Remember the Sega Master add-on for the Genesis or expansion bay on the ps2

There used to be a time when game consoles embraced added functionality. Who's to say Sony won't try something like this down the line.

It could happen.

[jc48573]

they should continue to support PS3 even when the PS4 is out. I'm still looking forward to another model that is much smaller and energy efficient.

[eddvdm]

Question is: do you prefer a 100% effective console totally optimized for future engines, executing next-gen graphics/network/sound/gamepla y at its best or would you sacrifice maybe 20-30% of it for the sake of BC?

I see people praising articles like this weeks' "PS4 will be the better platform to work on" (I'm not dis/agreeing, just mentioning it) and then whining on this one, while I think most forget that everything has a price.

I, for myself, wish much more a killer next-gen console FOR NEXT-GEN GAMES than some of it sacrificed because of bc.

[ajax17]

My PS3 still plays PS3 games... I think I'll live with the PS4 not being backwards compatable.

[we420]

(Peter's Laugh) He He. Long and Hard

[DirtyBollix]

It's not a big deal really, a small inconvenience at most. Definitely not a reason to jump ship :)

[coolasj]

Cerny is at the forefront of almost all PS4 news. That's pretty cool.

[ALLWRONG]

It was removed so they could charge you twice for games you already own.

[fsfsxii]

Still better than renting the online portion of a game

[swishersweets20031]

it be nice if they made a limited edition model that did have full BC. Not expecting it anyways.

[nan0]

It's not something to think long and hard about.

Make it backwards compatible and that's it. Milking people to buy "HD remakes" over and over is disgusting.

I suggest you think about this again sony. It shouldn't take that long.

[sway_z]

B/C would have been nice....but I can't see many people not purchasing a PS4 for the sake of that.

If we want to play PS3 games we'll just have to keep our PS3's hooked up to our sets. You can't beat the real thing anyways.

I've accepted it ain't happening... PS3/4ever gamer friends.

Edit - I decided it has to be PS (again) next gen. I like the new 'humbled' Sony :)

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Here's what they thought:

"Let's nix backwards compatibility so we can charge people for services like Gakai and re-sell our games to our die hard consumers."

Those of you saying BC isn't a big deal are the same people who bought PS2 HD collections.

In before "but MCG, HD collections are different!" Yeah, sure they are kid.

[PirateThom]

I bought a load of the HD collections, both games I already have and games I've never played. Not sure why they're worse than people buying ROMS from older consoles or arcade games.

It's not a big deal, not really. BC didn't even exist for years on any console, all of a sudden, it needs to be in every console? Draw a line under it.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

BC has existed since the days of Atari. And obviously with things like Gakai and PS2 collections its more important than ever. You don't understand this but your comment basically proved my earlier point. Thank you for your support.

Btw, a big draw of the PS2 was its BC with ps1. You remember the ps2 right? I'm sure you owned one. We all did. Sony was sure to push the BC angle of the ps2 at the systems launch. Now that they have another idea the pundits have come up with a different spin.

So it matters when you have it, and then it doesn't matter when you don't.

[profgerbik]

I don't really get the gripe, people can't seriously expect every new system they get to be able to play every old game they have.

I mean it is common sense, you aren't buying a new console to play all your old games. No one is forcing you to sell or get rid of your PS3 either, so it is more of a problem on the consumer than one created by Playstation.

They can't make every system play every single game from their past.. with Gaikai it is much more likely that could happen but from a hardware standpoint no, as hardware improves and changes it will only get worse.

Fact stands there are plenty of PS3's around or the fact half of you complaining about having no backwards compatibility have a PS3 already probably. The PS3 and PS4 both will still be using HDMI so there is no real advantage to playing your PS3 games on a PS4. So why is it that big of a deal to just hold onto your PS3?

[PirateThom]

I think the thing people need to remember is cost. Sony don't want to be pricing this thing at ridiculous levels again.

When the PS3 came out, to get backwards compatibility it basically had to have a full PS2 installed in the machine to do it and it's only through tweaking they are able to emulate games on the store on a game to game basis.

The difference in the PS4 and PS3 is so fast it would need different hardware and you'd basically be looking at a PS3 in every PS4 sold. Again, just driving the cost up.

Would it be nice? Of course, but you have to draw a line and see what is going to be affordable and what is necessary and BC just isn't necessary.

[Adolph Fitler]

It's a nice feature to have, but it is far from a needed feature. I would prefer them to put more in, in the way of raw power, memory & such, to allow it to be more future proof, as well as just have more features to allow ease of use, such as more usb ports, extra controller functionality (meaning up to 6 or 8 controllers be used, without the need for a multi-tap type, after market setup), bigger HDD for game & content storage, etc, or even a release date in Europe & Australia that is alongside that of the America's, as we deserve it!!!
Just bring on the machine Sony, & stop screwing the Europeans, Australians & NZ's by giving the yanks the console well before us, & cutting us off from getting the thing before Xmas 2013, just like with every other PS console, we have been left until last, & treated like we didn't matter to Sony Japan, when in fact, Europe is larger in population than N.A., & it's population are more of PS fans & consumers than there U.S. gaming brothers, by a huge margin. We just seem to appreciate Sony's PS console brand more.

Anyway, the quicker people get over this whole b/c thing, the better off they will be, as Sony really introduced b/c consoles (well, out of the box b/c, without the need for any aftermarket add on's to allow it to do so, anyway)......Sony were single handedly responsible for the whole short lived b/c console phenomenon, but the fact is, that it really is a gimmicky bulletpoint.
I mean, as much as I loved the idea of my PS2 & PS3 being b/c, it really served no practical use whatsoever, as I didn't want to play 1 & 2 gen "OLD" games. These games had had there day, & in many cases, you put them on for a trip down memory lane & to rekindle some of what made a certain old game special, but once you fired it up, sometimes these games looked nothing like you remembered & were just not as great as you had them built up in your mind, so it would ruin your memory of certain said titles.
Don't get me wrong, I still will be trying to finish some of my overflow of PS3 games, even after I've owned my PS4 for several months, & it would have been sick if I could just throw my PS3 copy of GTA5 or The Last Of Us, into my shiny, new, PS4, but not at the expense of PS4's quality & power, so I am more than happy to keep my PS3 around to do that.

[DJ]

I do not care. If you want to play PS3 games, get a PS3 or play them through PS4's Gakai service.

[GrumpyOla]

For me BC is not important. If I still feel attached to my PS3 games when the PS4 launches, then I guess I'm not ready for next gen and I'll keep my PS3. If I get the same (or better) wow factor that this gen had on me over the previous one then I'm definately getting the PS4. But for that to happen I need a clearer understanding of the direction the next gen is heading in terms of graphics, AI, TV specs needed, 3D ...etc. Hopefully in the next few months leading to the PS4 launch all will be clear.

[kasser]

BC is an added extra to me. I didnt play any PS1 title on PS2 and the only PS2 title played on my PS3 was MGS3 and I had some problems scaling the game to my HD resolution and colours were mostly washed out.

So I do not think I will run PS3 titles on PS4 and I dont plan on getting PS4 on LAUNCH. I will wait for the last major PS3 releases (Last of Us, FFXIIIversus, Last Guardian). By then, PS4 will have more games and I avoided the launch drama.

If I ever wanted to go back and play MGS4, I will run it on its console. I don't see whats the problem? it is the same as if I wanted to play Sonic 2, I will turn on my SEGA.

[360ICE]

Ha! 'Long and hard'

[BlackCarrot]

It entertains me that a lot of Playstation people have convinced themselves that it's not a big deal. When BC was first taken away in the 40gb PS3 a few years back, it was reported as a very odd move and got a lot of backlash. It was ultimately successful, I bought a 40gb that I still use today, but that doesn't mean I do not want BC compatibility.

I have purchased a lot of games on my PS3, to expect me to maintain another system alongside a PS4, to keep it working, to find people to play with online, yes it does cause frustrations for a lot of people.

At the very least, BC with PS2 should be made available this generation. You can't expect me to keep a PS2 as well as my PS3, I still play a lot of games on my PS2 (see Timesplitters).

[BABY-JEDI]

I think @ the beginning of a console cycle BC seems pretty essential, but as the development & number of new games increases, this point of issue becomes less IMO (unless your a collector). Now we're going to have game hybrids that are both PS3 & PS4, which to meeeeee seems kind of nuts.
As for BK, are there any consoles that are totally BC (please note the word total)?

[ufo8mycat]

BC is absolutely the most overrated feature. People who buy a PS4 are going to want to play PS4 games.

If you want to play PS3 games, you still have your PS3.

It really isn't that hard.

[MilkMan]

I know this is a big issue. But I can sincerely say that in all the consoles I've had with BC. The honest truth is I barely used my new console for older games.
This is gen after gen.

I know its not a popular thing, but maybe we need to look at that.

Why have it when we might not be using it.

I wold much rather play the older games on the older system. IF I do.

I know there a some that want this and actually play some older games on their new system but I suppose these guys have the data to justify and sustain the argument.

As I said earlier. I didn't ever use it much. although I had dreams that I would be popping in my older discs and finishing some of those older games.

[mmj]

I don't see why people get so worked up over BC, emulation is never perfect, it will add unnecessary cost to PS4 as well as taking away development time and given Sony's history you will be able to buy PS3 for many years to come anyway.

[Picnic]

I wouldn't worry about having BC Sony. You need to get the console cost more reasonable (in the eyes of the majority) than last time at launch.

Anyway it might encourage people with fat PS3s to upgrade them to a slim PS3 to use when they want to play old games. Although why they found the original fat PS3 console an acceptable size for them I don't know. It put me off buying a PS3 for several years. So BC would have only increased the size of the console.

[Felonycarclub8]

It's funny how some people are saying they are not buying ps4 cause its not backward compatible and ill bet you some of them have the ps3 that's not backwards compatible. I have the ps3 that's backwards compatible and have used it only a handful of times to play ps1 or ps2 games. I actually like to play my old games in their original systems. well while some people play their ps3 and say their not buying ps4 I will be playing on my ps4 :-) but I will still be playing ps3 games on my ps3 cause there are so many games that are still coming out even when the ps4 is here.

[NotSoSilentBob]

I had a launch 60 gig that died on me when I had about a month of my extended warranty threw gamestop. Since they had stopped producing the 60 gigs at that point I worked out a deal with gamestop that I got an 80gig and a PS2 instead of a 60gig. I went home happy and they were able to get a PS2 out the door.

[Pro_TactX]

The lack of backward compatibility is not really an issue for me. I have been playing video games since 1988, so I am pretty used to consoles not being backward compatible. I will still have a PS3 when I get a PS4, but most likely I am going to spend my gaming time just playing the new games anyway.

Would I like backward compatibility? Sure. I would even be willing to pay a premium for it. The Earth will continue revolving around the Sun without it though.

[Exias]

I remember buying the PS3 at release for $600. It basically included a PS2 along with a PS3. I thought I'd be playing my PS2 games occasionally on the PS3, but looking back, I rarely did. I think Sony made a good decision to keep the cost of the PS4 down as well as making games easier to develop for which should make better games. If I really want to play my PS3 games, I'll continue to use my PS3. I like that Sony is still making an effort to bring previous libraries to the PS4, knowing that its important to a lot of gamers. I am curious to see what Sony's model is going to be for streaming PS1,2&3 games through Gaikai. It will be a great way for people who didn't own previous Playstations to enjoy all of these past great games.

[majdees]

Long and hard huh...

[NotSoSilentBob]

Of course they thought long and hard about BC, they thought long over what would be the best way to make money off of it. With Gaikei, they realize they can continue to make profit with a monthly plan system(kind of line PS+) you stop paying you stop getting access.

I was all into the PS4 till they announced no native BC for any Playstation Games. I lost 90% of my interest at that fact. Sony has ALWAYS had Backwards compatibility at release for their machines and now they are pretty much saying we want profits over product sold.

[turnerdc]

I'm not too bummed about not being able to play my PS3 disc based games, that was expected. Not being able to transfer and play my PSN purchases though is a real downer and has made me really cautious about buying anything off PSN. I'm eventually getting both the next Xbox and PS4 and if I'm able to transfer all my purchases on the next Xbox then I'll make all my non-exclusive digital purchases on the 360.

[Kidmyst]

This is why I prefer to buy my games via physical disc over digital. With physical I can hook that system up and play the game again. but if the company doesn't support to re-download my purchases and I had deleted them, I'm S.O.L.! Only downloads I have done and played were from PS Plus or were exclusives to XBL or PSN only. After my fat PS3 died I was bumming for the fact that i lost upscaling of PS 1&2 games.

[leemo19]

I like to have BC just to have it, but it if doesn't I'll get over it. Original 80gb I had I played ps2 games on it here and there but, once it died I didn't have issue with not being able to play ps2 games on it. All It did its make me enjoy the ps3 games coming out more. Plus Sony should do what it can to make the ps4 a reasonable price this time around.

[Adolph Fitler]

I think at the start we WANTED b/c in our new consoles, but I think we have quickly worked out that it is a waste of resources.
I mean, why bother putting last gen into a current gen console. It defies the whole concept of next gen.

We had FULL b/c with PS2, & guess what, barely anyone bothered with it.
I know once I had my brand new PS2, that I wasn't going back to play Jet Moto, with it's muddy, turdish looking visuals.....I wanted to be playing GTA3 over GTA: London.
So, the fact is, old systems need to be moved on from & we don't need to soil the memory of old PS1, Xbox, PS2 or whatever, older gen games we used to hold up so high.

Put more power under the hood, & forget b/c.

[aman84r]

The title just cracks me up.Its about maximum revenue.You think they are being emotinal about fans?They have shareholders to answer to.