Sony's history with backward compatibility has been inconsistent, while Microsoft has been expanding the feature on Xbox1. Backward compatibility is an important factor for many when choosing a new console1.
: The original PlayStation 2 could play most of the PS1 games5. The PS2 popularized backward compatibility for mainstream audiences1.
: At launch, the PlayStation 3 supported full backward compatibility, meaning it could play games from PS1, PS2, and PS31. However, the cell processor made things complicated, and later models removed the functionality to reduce costs15.
: The original PlayStation is only compatible with PS2 and PS3, while PS4 and PS5 are compatible with each other3. PS5 supports PS4 titles well, and some PS2 and PS1 games are playable through emulation6.
: Sony has released a PlayStation Classic microconsole, pre-loaded with games, similar to Nintendo's Classic Mini consoles2.
: Backward compatibility helps preserve games and prevent them from being lost to time1.
: Backward compatibility can gain trust by giving players access to older titles1.
: Sony has historically put the future first, opting to resell, remake, and remaster its classics rather than sorting out a long-term solution to backward compatibility1. There is a financial incentive for not supporting backward compatibility because gamers may buy the games again5.
: Supporting older software can be costly for the developer3. Increased complexity can increase the time to market, and there can be technological hurdles and slower innovation3.