Sony once embraced backwards compatibility as a groundbreaking feature, but things changed with the PS4 generation. Initially thought to be a result of shifting console architectures, it seems there might have been more to the story. Back in 2015, Jim Ryan, a former executive, stirred the pot with a remark suggesting that Sony didn’t find much worth in backwards compatibility.
In celebration of PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, Sony reminisced on its history, highlighting how the backwards compatibility of the PS2 era stood out as a rare and celebrated feature by gamers. They fondly remembered how this consumer-friendly move was a delightful surprise, allowing players to dust off their older game collections.
During 2015, Ryan was asked about the absence of this feature in the PS4. He responded candidly, pointing out that while backwards compatibility was often requested, it didn’t see much use. Ryan recounted an experience at a Gran Turismo event, where classic PS1 and PS2 games appeared undeniably aged, questioning why players would have any desire to revisit them. These comments were met with quite a backlash.
Even today, there’s a strong appetite for re-releases of classic PlayStation games, which continue to thrive on PS Plus Premium. Despite this, PS3 titles remain restricted to streaming and are only accessible in certain regions.
