PlayStation has always been known for their exceptional console exclusive games, it is well-known in the entertainment industry because of their best-in-class exclusive games development teams. From the Crash Bandicoot games of the original PlayStation to the newest instalments on PS5 such as Demon Souls, Returnal or the new Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart game. It is obvious that Sony puts a great deal of effort into their games line up, and it shows from media outlets and reviewers from all over the world. However, while Sony explores developing bigger and more ambitious games for every new console generation they create, it does give some long-term PlayStation fans concern for the previous console’s history. How much is Sony willing to do in order to preserve their back catalogue for future generations of gamers to enjoy?
It is very understandable that players would want to play their old favourite games from their childhood or teenage years. Even to show them to their own kids to give them a look into the history of games, as well as the evolution of technology but most people do not want to buy lots of different consoles in order to do this. Sony have tried to bring backwards compatibility with the original PS3 which could play PS 3, 2 and 1 games. While nice to have included in the console, this did make it expensive to buy at launch day, as did the newly released Blu-ray player. However, Sony did remove this feature with future revisions of the PS3 console, like the slim model or the super slim which greatly brought down the overall price of the console. There is some good news though: all PS3 models can play PS1 games. It is also worth knowing that the PS5 can play the vast majority of PS4 games, which while a fantastic feature to have, many players still wish for compatibility of the consoles prior to the PS4 era.
Similarly, the PS Vita, Sony’s second portable console, had vast backwards compatibility with PSP games. While there were many mistakes prior to the Vita’s launch, the compatibility was one of its biggest strengths at the time.
This being said, there are still many people feeling frustrated with Sony’s compatibility strategy, myself included. One of the reasons I believe this is because I have recently gone back to the PS3 generation to replay some of my old favourite games from when I was younger. Classic titles such as GTA 4 and the original Red Dead Redemption were some of my personal favourites as well as nostalgic games like Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Cosmic Destruction. While these are just a few examples, there were thousands of games for the PS 1, 2 and 3 which could potentially get digital rereleases in the future, but many of these games may not see the light of day again.
In conclusion, Sony have made a great step in the right direction, their efforts in providing backwards compatibility strategies in the current generation consoles has been well received in the PlayStation community. Many of the big titles have been rereleased such as the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Final Fantasy 7 remake, as well as the newest remake of Demon Souls which is a PS5 exclusive. However, it continues to be flawed as there is still a lack of PS 1, 2, and 3 compatibility on Sony’s latest console. Sony are committed to providing a high-quality gaming experience to their customers, so I hope they will take steps to further improve the compatibility of their legacy.
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