Hardware-based backward compatibility is a feature that was entirely absent from the PS4, but a credible rumor swirling up before the imminent launch of the PS5 is pointing to the console having that capability. Further, the PS5 is even rumored to be compatible with titles from all mainline PlayStation consoles going back to the original PS1.
Backward compatibility is considered by many to be an essential feature of a console, yet only a small minority of gamers utilize it. Still, when Microsoft announced that the Xbox One would become backward compatible in a system update after its presentation at E3 2015, it came as a total surprise but still gained the company huge favor among gamers, in a time it especially needed it too. Thus far, the PS5 has already been confirmed to feature backward compatibility with PS4 games by its system architect, Mark Cerny, the soft spoken programmer of both the PS4 and PS5.
The Last Backward Compatible PlayStation
The last PlayStation consoles to feature backward compatibility were the first model versions of the PS3, which were eventually phased out of production and replaced by newer models. Those first versions of the PS3 emulated PS2 and PS1 games on a hardware level (the very first two models even had the PS2 processing chip inside it). As newer models came out, emulation was switched over to a software level until eventually, the PS3 started to not be backward compatible at all (at least not with PS2 games).
As for how the PS5 will emulate games from previous generations, rumors point to the potential method that will be used and the reason why it resonates with consumers.
PS5 Remastering Engine
This rumor started from sources known to online personality, HipHopGamer, and tells of a technique that Sony is implementing in the PS5 which will allow it to detect, enhance, and run games from the previous generations of PlayStation. Simply put, it's not software emulation, but the hardware capable of running games and upgrading them as well as possible. A rumor is a rumor, but if this one ends up being true, then it is especially significant because Sony went from phasing out backward compatibility on the PS3 and skipping the PS4 with i, to bringing some, if not all, legacy PlayStation titles to the newest console.
With the ability to pop in any PlayStation disc and have the PS5 play it, gamers with a decades-old collection of PlayStation game discs are sure to benefit from this feature the most. Additionally, because developers need a good length of time to make games for the newest console, this ability to play legacy titles would prevent the early-generation game drought that is common among console launches with no big games out for the first few years.
PS4 Games On PS5
Outside the realm of rumors and speculation, one thing that is certainly known to be true is that the PS5 will be able to play PS4 games. Besides preventing the aforementioned drought, the ability to play PS4 games on the new console is extremely significant. Many of the PS4’s most popular titles are games that have an ongoing online structure and community, such as the Destiny franchise and Grand Theft Auto 5. The PS5’s ability to play games like these is crucial if Sony wants to keep those communities alive throughout the transition of console generations.
Also, Grand Theft Auto 5 has defied every rule of logic by consistently remaining in the top 10 highest selling games list every month since its launch in September of 2013 (which was 76 months ago). So it makes sense for Sony to not leave the game, and more sales, behind.
Now that 2020 is in full swing, fans can expect to be inundated with information on the PS5 for months to come. If Sony wants to outmatch Microsoft in regards to backward compatibility, then it has to go all out.
The PS5 is scheduled to launch holiday 2020.