PlayStation 6 update confirms what you were afraid of
Topics: Sony, PlayStation, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Tech
Featured Image Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Topics: Sony, PlayStation, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Tech
PlayStation 6 receives an update that confirms what we’re either afraid of or want to hear, depending on your perspective.
I’m a big fan of backwards compatibility support for two reasons, it helps preserve our favourite video games of yesteryear and it means we can play titles from a previous-gen on a new system and in many cases, they will have a resolution and framerate boost.
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However, there’s also a flip side to the benefit of backwards compatibility, and that's some console manufacturers and publishers are too reliant on last-gen games rather than creating exclusive experiences for the new generation.
In many ways, Microsoft has led the way with backwards compatibility since the Xbox 360 and its most recent Xbox Series X is able to play some original Xbox discs, as well as digital titles.
The PlayStation 5 can play most PS4 discs and titles from generations prior are mostly attached to a PS Plus subscription. As I alluded to earlier, I’m all for backwards compatibility support but at the same time, when I buy a new console, I expect new-gen exclusive titles to be a main focus.
As reported by Push Square (via MP1st), PlayStation co-CEO Hideaki Nishino has confirmed that when the PS6 arrives, it will be supported by PS5 titles for as long as PS4 has supported the current system.
When speaking to Famitsu, Nishino said “As of today, many PS4 games are being played, and the number of PS5 games is increasing rapidly. It is unlikely that this will suddenly change tomorrow, so there is no doubt that home video game consoles will remain at the centre of our business for some time.”
He continued: “Some people may misunderstand me when I say this, but if you have cloud gaming on PS Portal and PS5 games running, [they] may think that we have already entered the era of cloud gaming. However, you still need a controller and a screen in your hand, and we believe that hardware will not disappear just yet.”
Let’s just hope that when the PlayStation 6 is released, as much as we love backwards compatibility, it’s not too reliant on last-gen titles because we want the new-gen console to feel, well, new-gen.
Likely, Sony will not launch the PlayStation 6 between 2027 and 2028.