One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether the
PS4 is backwards compatible – if it can play PS3, PS2 and PlayStation games as
well as those made specifically for the PS4.
The simple answer is
that no, you cannot simply put a PS3
game in your PS4 and play it. The two systems are fundamentally not compatible
with each other.
They use completely different system architectures, which
means the PS4 would need to emulate the PS3’s system in order to make the games
work. The figure often quoted is that a system needs ten times the power of the
thing it’s emulating in order to do so at full speed.
Sony does claim that the PS4 meets this ‘ten times’ more
powerful mark, but producing a workable emulator also requires a whole lot of
work – and that means a healthy cash investment, too. Sony decided not to do
this, and it’s sure to be one of the most common complaints about the new
console. We can imagine many people simply assuming they’ll be able to play
their old PS3 games on the thing.
There is a solution, though.
PS4 Backwards Compatibility: how it will work
Sony plans to launch a game streaming service in 2014, which
will let you play PS3 games on a PS4 – and even a PS Vita. Its works in a
similar manner to OnLive, perhaps the best-known game streaming service.
All the processing will be done ‘in the cloud’ by Sony’s
servers, with just the video transmitted to your actual console. The one
potential issue is lag, caused by the amount or to-and-fro’ing data has to do.
First your controller inputs have to be sent to the Cloud, then the resulting
action transmitted back – it’s a two-way process.
However, reports on the technology behind the feature have
been very positive.
PS3 streaming will use Gaikai tech. Gaikai is a company Sony
bought in July 2012, and before it was acquired it offered comparable game
streaming services, aiming at giving publishers a way to show off their games.
According to Digital Foundry, the input lag of Gaikai circa March 2012 was
variable, but as little as the lag caused by the Xbox 360’s wireless controller
at the best of times. That’s quick.
Which games we’ll have access to, how much you’ll pay and
which systems will feature on the game streaming service is unknown. However,
there are several possibilities.
It could be part of the PlayStation Plus incentive package.
You could be allowed to freely stream any PS3 game put in the PS4’s disc drive.
It may be a completely separate pay-monthly subscription service or – worst of
the lot – we could be forced to re-buy any games digitally within a new store.
This is how it works with the PSOne games currently available on PSN. Hopefully
Sony will come up with a more interesting solution.
However, the only solution at present is to keep your PS3 if
you don’t want to instantly consign your PS3 games collection to the past.
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