Even though Sony announced the PlayStation 5 last year, there's still a lot we don't know about the upcoming next-generation console. However, one persistent rumor about the PS5 is that it will support backward compatibility, with the PS4 at the very least. However, there are some claims that the PS5 backward compatibility will be much more ambitious, with the console supposedly being compatible with PS4, PS3, PS2, and even PS1 games.
There's never been backward compatibility on that scale before, so it's hard to say if there's really any truth to it or not. However, YouTube channel HipHopGamer has since reiterated that claim, but with some additional information explaining how Sony might be able to pull off such extensive PS5 backward compatibility.
HipHopGamer, citing unnamed sources, claims that the PS5 will use a "remastering engine" that will allow it to play older games. Furthermore, this "remastering engine" will even enhance visuals, perhaps not unlike what we've seen with the PS2 games that have released on PS4 in recent years. While this may sound very exciting to PlayStation fans, we must caution to take this information with a massive grain of salt until Sony itself reveals more about the PS5 and its backward compatibility features (or lack thereof).
As for when Sony may reveal more about the PS5's backward compatibility, that may happen sooner rather than later. Sony is hosting a presentation at CES 2020 on January 6, where it has teased that "the future is coming." Of course, Sony develops a lot more hardware than just gaming consoles, so it's quite possible that it will be showcasing other technology at CES 2020, but some have taken that as a hint that the event will feature a PS5 reveal.
If CES 2020 comes and goes without any PS5 reveal, the next most likely possibility is that the PS5 will be shown during an event in February. It was leaked months ago that Sony plans on hosting a PS5 reveal event in February, where it is expected to showcase the new console's look and other features, possibly even giving fans their first look at games running on the PS5 itself. It's possible that this "leak" was incorrect or plans have changed, but with Microsoft having already revealed the Xbox Series X, one has to imagine that a PS5 reveal can't be too far off.
When Sony does finally reveal the PS5, hopefully it comes with some clarification about the console's backward compatibility.
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