Tell GR: Is Backwards Compatibility Really That Important?

GR's Alex Osborn: "As 2013 ushers in a host of new gaming consoles, one of the many questions that has been on gamers' minds is whether or not the new machines would be backwards compatible. Sony has already answered that on the PlayStation side of things with a big fat NO, but we still have yet to hear from Microsoft on its next-gen plans."

[doctorstrange]

I can't say there's been that many times I've really wanted to play PS2 games, have enough current-gen games on my plate as it is.

[aceitman]

No it's not , it's time to move to next gen all the way just bring on the new games. It wasn't a big loss this gen.

[shivvy24]

i kept my PS2 but for some reason i prefer to play PS2 games on PS2, same with xbox and PS1

[alousow]

i dont really care if my ps4 doesnt play ps3 games. I kno for sure after i get my ps4 im not turning back

[FlameHawk]

If we were to get backwards compatibility I would be happy, if we don't I'm just fine.

[decimalator]

it is more of an issue early on when the library for new games is small. As time goes on, it becomes less of an issue. But even to start, it's not that big of a deal. I mean, I can't play old DOS games on my pc without going through the hassle of finding an emulator that it works on. even a lot of early windows games don't play well on newer versions of windows. I would rather they focus their money and people on making the next gen experience solid and keep the console prices down that hack together some half ass BC. now, streaming is a whole other thing. I think using gaikai to stream old games is a great compromise.

[wishingW3L]

to me it's important. I was going to buy a PS4 day one but now I think I'm just gonna wait for a price drop since the PS3 will still be getting games like GT6, FFvs and The Last Guardian anyway. I never been much of a fan of racing games or Killzone so in its current state the PS4 has nothing to offer me.

And the fact that the PS4 will not even going to have PS1 and PS2 BC means that Sony's preparing to milk the hell out of us with digital re-releases, online fees and other paid services like Gaikai. Most of the new features and innovations of the PS4 have a hidden fee! I'm starting to get scared of this new Sony and the ones to blame are the gamers themselves for always bending so quickly every time Sony removed something from the PS3. =/

[alexcosborn]

Essential? No.

Nice? Yes.

[knifefight]

It's a big factor for those wanting to trade in their old systems toward the purchase of a new one while not wanting to give up their old games. Not everyone has the money for a new system in the launch window, and selling your old one can get that for you. I keep my systems, even if the new ones have BC, but a lot of people don't.

[NateCole]

Its important for core gamers that dont have a PS3 yet.