When we talk about backward compatibility on current generation consoles, the PlayStation 5 is not the first on the list. Despite having a dedicated subscription to PS Plus, Sony has fallen behind in offering retro games. That would change very soon, since PS3 games could run natively on the PS5.
According to the latest rumors, Sony plans to offer native backward compatibility in some PS3 games. This means that a cluster of “select titles” could run on PS5 hardware. The report states that these games would be re-released for sale so that new users can access them.
The backward compatibility of the PS3 on PS5 is not entirely clear, although we could assume that it would be similar to what we see on Xbox Series X|S. An internal PlayStation team is likely working on an emulator capable of running PS3 classics without problems. In this way, players could download and install them on their PS5 to relive old times.
The rumor mentions two key features: select titles and re-release. This makes us think that Sony will focus on games first party from PS3, since it would be easier to resell them without renegotiating licenses. Let us remember that backward compatibility is not only limited by technical issues, but by legal agreements that keep certain titles captive to a platform.
Sony is not a fan of its old games
Unlike Microsoft, Sony has been much more cautious on the subject of providing access to games from their old consoles. Jim Ryan, former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, stated in 2017 that I didn’t see the point in backward compatibility.
“As we’ve dabbled in backwards compatibility, I can say that it’s one of those features that’s requested a lot, but isn’t really used much,” Ryan told the magazine. TIME. “I was at an event Grand Tourism recently where they had PS1, PS2, PS3 and PS4 games, and PS1 and PS2 games seemed datedlike why would anyone play this?”
Despite Ryan’s statements – who left his position at PlayStation – the truth is that the PS3 catalog is stuck on that console. Games like SOCOM 4 U.S. Navy SEALs, Infamous 2, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots o Ridge Racer 7 They are not available and the only way to play them is with a PS3. Some are offered through the cloud, but the experience is poor and not available in many countries.
When will native backward compatibility arrive from PS3 to PS5
Sony is likely working on an option to natively play PS3 titles on your PS5, although not in the way you think. It’s hard to believe that the company would allow a PS3 disc to be placed in the PS5 tray, as we see on the Xbox Series X|S. The most sensible thing is that Sony releases certain titles through the PSN or the Premium tier of PlayStation Plus.
For now there is no further information on when we might see backwards compatibility materialize (or if it will happen). Anyway, the latest version of RPCS3 improved compatibility with more games and is a real alternative for those who do not have a PS3.
