Sony has finally admitted that backwards compatibility was a standout feature in earlier consoles, making it a fan favorite until it disappeared with the advent of the PS4. Many had thought the compatibility couldn’t continue due to changes in how these consoles were built, but comments from former Sony executive Jim Ryan back in 2015 painted a different picture. At that time, Ryan seemed to question the importance of backwards compatibility altogether.
When reflecting on PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, a special webpage highlighted the significance of backwards compatibility. Sony mentioned that during the PS2 era, this feature was rather uncommon but garnered a lot of appreciation from players who had collections of older games. The brand’s decision to include it was described as both unexpected and highly appreciated by its loyal customer base.
Back in 2015, Ryan faced questions about why the PS4 did not support backwards compatibility. He acknowledged that, while players frequently asked about it, very few actually utilized the feature. Ryan recounted an event he attended for Gran Turismo where games from across PlayStation generations were displayed. He noted how the PS1 and PS2 titles appeared outdated, questioning, “Why would anybody play this?” His comments did not sit well with many fans.
Even today, re-releases of classic PlayStation titles are in high demand and remain a popular feature within the PS Plus Premium service. However, fans are left wanting more, as PS3 games are predominantly available for streaming and only in certain regions.