Sony Acknowledges Backwards Compatibility Was Popular Prior to PS4

Sony’s decision to leave out backwards compatibility in the PS4 era has been a topic of much discussion, especially since it was a standout feature in earlier consoles. Many believed that this shift occurred due to the change in console architectures. However, in 2015, former Sony executive Jim Ryan stirred controversy with a statement suggesting that the company didn’t perceive much value in maintaining backwards compatibility.

During PlayStation’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, the company highlighted the introduction of backwards compatibility with the PS2. At the time, it was a rare and innovative feature that players greatly appreciated. A noted section on their site honored this move, describing it as a consumer-friendly choice that gained praise from gamers with collections from older generations.

Ryan, when questioned about the absence of the feature in PS4, remarked that despite popular demand, it wasn’t heavily utilized by players. Reflecting on a Gran Turismo event, he mentioned seeing games from PS1 to PS4 and noted how outdated the older ones appeared. “Why would anybody play this?” he famously asked, a comment that didn’t sit well with many fans and critics.

Even now, the appetite for playing older PlayStation titles remains strong. Re-releases of such games are consistently sought after and have become popular on PS Plus Premium. Sadly, there’s a caveat—PS3 games are constrained to streaming services and are only accessible in certain regions.