One of the most requested features that fans desperately want the PlayStation 5 to have is full backward compatibility with all PS4 games. Following the recent announcement of the PS5's name and planned release window, Sony stated that it is still confirming if and how backward compatibility will work on PlayStation 5. However, a new rumor suggests that the problem has not only been solved, but the scope of PS5's backward compatibility has been expanded.
Microsoft made a huge impact this generation by offering backward compatibility for Xbox 360 games as well as games from the original Xbox console. Now, if the latest rumor is to be believed, Sony is planning to take a similar approach, allowing for backward compatibility with PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 games on the PS5.
In part, this rumor has emerged from a tweet made by Twitter user PSErebus at the end of September, which recommended that players don't dispose of, sell, or trade-in any of their games from any of Sony's PlayStation consoles, including PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. Some have taken this as a comment about PS5's backward compatibility, and while it certainly should be approached with skepticism, it's worth noting that PSErebus has a history of leaking PlayStation-related information, having recently revealed The Last of Us Part 2 release date.
Furthermore, Vice journalist Patrick Klepek has added fuel to this fire with a comment made on the Waypoint Radio podcast, which appeared to further suggest backward compatibility will play a large role in the next-generation console. Specifically, during last week's episode, titled 'Blizzard and the Hong Kong Protests," Klepek stated: "Everything I’ve heard about the PS5 – this is going back full two years now – has been a huge emphasis on ‘history’ and that it’s going to be the sort of thing where it’s not just about the future, but also about the past; that means your ability to play lots of those games."
All of this said, if the PS5 ultimately does support this level of backward compatibility, how it will work still remains unclear. Will players be able to use their original discs like they can with the Xbox One? Will they play their old games digitally via direct-purchase or through PS Now? One thing is certain: players will receive more information on backward compatibility before the PS5 release date arrives.
PlayStation 5 is expected to release during the 2020 holiday season.