Sony has admitted that backwards compatibility was once a standout feature that many gamers appreciated before it was phased out with the release of the PS4. For years, the common belief was that the change in console design was the reason behind the feature’s absence on the PS4. However, a controversial comment by former executive Jim Ryan in 2015 hinted that Sony didn’t perceive backwards compatibility as beneficial.
### ‘Why would anyone play this?’ – Jim Ryan on PS4’s lack of backwards compatibility
In honor of PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, a webpage was launched where Sony recalled how backwards compatibility during the PS2 era was rather exceptional and earned widespread acclaim from gamers.
The section dedicated to backwards compatibility noted, “PlayStation’s decision to support older games was a surprising move, met with enthusiasm by players who had built up collections from past consoles.”
Back in 2015, Ryan faced questions about why the PS4 lacked this feature, and his response stirred some controversy. He pointed out that while backwards compatibility is a popular request, it’s not heavily utilized. “I recently attended a Gran Turismo event featuring games from the PS1 through to the PS4. Seeing the PS1 and PS2 games, I thought they looked really outdated—why would anyone want to play this?” Ryan remarked during an interview with TIME, sparking backlash from the gaming community.
Even now, classic PlayStation games continue to be in high demand, with re-releases being a hit on PS Plus Premium. Unfortunately, PS3 games can only be streamed and are accessible in a limited number of countries.
