Sony’s decision to drop backwards compatibility with the PS4 generation left many fans puzzled, especially given its success during previous eras. Initially, many speculated that the change in console architecture was the main reason behind this decision. However, comments from Jim Ryan, a former Sony executive, back in 2015 hinted at a different rationale. Ryan suggested that Sony hadn’t deemed backwards compatibility a valuable feature.
Sony has reflected on this feature through a webpage celebrating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. They highlighted the unique nature of backwards compatibility during the PS2 era, acknowledging that, at the time, it was a groundbreaking feature that players greatly appreciated.
In a section dedicated to this topic, Sony noted, “PlayStation’s decision to embrace backwards compatibility was a pleasant surprise for gamers who had collections from past generations.”
Back in 2015, when asked about the absence of backwards compatibility on the PS4, Ryan mentioned that although it was often requested, players typically didn’t use it much. During an interview with TIME, he recalled attending a Gran Turismo event where he saw games from the PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. Reflecting on the older titles, he famously remarked, “They looked ancient, like why would anybody play this?” These comments, as expected, drew intense backlash.
Even today, there’s a strong appetite for re-releases of older PlayStation games, especially within the PS Plus Premium lineup. Unfortunately, PS3 games are mostly confined to streaming services and remain accessible only in a few select countries, much to the disappointment of many fans.
