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PlayStation 4 to get streaming backwards compatibility?

1 min read
26

Crossstreams

We’ve already come to the conclusion, based on little more than rumoured specs, that hardware driven backwards compatibility just isn’t going to happen in the next generation of consoles. That’s especially true for the PS4, which looks to be ditching the fabled Cell processor for something a little more traditional. That doesn’t mean it won’t be completely without backwards compatibility though.

According to the Wall Street Journal though, the PlayStation 4 could still play your decidedly ancient PlayStation 3 games – through the magic of streaming. Apparently, Sony’s going to put its ownership of game streaming service Gaikai – which it acquired last year by spending $380 million it didn’t actually have.

It’s about the only feasible way of ensuring backwards compatibility in the new console – but it doesn’t come without problems. Obviously, and this is important for people without proper broadband internet – there’s the inherent lag involved with cloud-based gaming. the second, and bigger problem is that you’d likely have to end up buying or renting games you already own just to play them through the service.

If, however, Sony plays it smart and allows PlayStation Plus subscribers access to its vast library of games for free, I could see this working out rather well for them. In the first world at least.

Last Updated: February 18, 2013

26 Comments

  1. Banana Jim

    February 18, 2013 at 12:36

    They’ll probably make that pay-per-game though, or at least tie it into the broader PS+. I can’t see them giving the back-catalogue to the unwashed gaming masses – for free. I certainly wouldn’t.

    Reply

  2. Banana Jim

    February 18, 2013 at 12:36

    They’ll probably make that pay-per-game though, or at least tie it into the broader PS+. I can’t see them giving the back-catalogue to the unwashed gaming masses – for free. I certainly wouldn’t.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Erwin

      February 18, 2013 at 13:06

      What is it with you and paying for everything today?

      Did you win the lottery or something? 😛

      If so, pappa kort ‘n paar rand, just R100k

      Reply

  3. OVG

    February 18, 2013 at 12:43

    PC FOR THE WIN.

    Reply

  4. OVG

    February 18, 2013 at 12:43

    PC FOR THE WIN.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Erwin

      February 18, 2013 at 13:05

      XD

      Reply

  5. James Brawn

    February 18, 2013 at 12:44

    So, you might as well say “NO”.

    Reply

  6. James Brawn

    February 18, 2013 at 12:44

    So, you might as well say “NO”.

    Reply

  7. OVG

    February 18, 2013 at 12:46

    I dont get the ghostbusters. Im still hungover.

    Reply

    • CaptainNemo42

      February 18, 2013 at 12:51

      Never cross the streams!

      Reply

      • OVG

        February 18, 2013 at 12:53

        lol

        Reply

  8. CodeScarwls

    February 18, 2013 at 12:49

    Can’t you just play your PS3 games on your PS3?

    Reply

    • CaptainNemo42

      February 18, 2013 at 12:57

      According to Everybody…

      Reply

    • Andre116

      February 18, 2013 at 13:19

      Not if it is Skyrim apparently.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Erwin

        February 18, 2013 at 13:50

        FUS RO OHNOYOUDIDN’T 😛

        Reply

      • Sean Carbutt

        February 18, 2013 at 15:56

        LOL, actualy Skyrim is working now. I uninstalled the game including the 1.5 gig update. Then re-installed the game and only had to do the 144 meg update and voila she works properly, for the first time ever. Recently did the Dragonborne dl and that also works fine. So ya, it only took Bethseda a year to fix it, but for the time being, it seems to be working

        Reply

  9. Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

    February 18, 2013 at 13:00

    Love the header!

    Reply

  10. matthurstrsa

    February 18, 2013 at 13:02

    Looks like next gen is shaping up to be a greedy one. I’ll stick to PC and my current gen Xbox 360, which works just fine thanks very much.

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      February 18, 2013 at 13:10

      Even current gen PC gaming is turning greedy. *microtranscation-always on connection-pay for everything-crap*

      Reply

      • matthurstrsa

        February 18, 2013 at 13:13

        At least you can pick those games up for very cheap thanks to Steam etc. Console games remain pretty expensive. But yes, the greed is taking over. I have never participated in micro transactions and never will. I wish more people would learn its about fun and not about beating the game.

        Reply

        • CodeScarwls

          February 18, 2013 at 13:35

          I won’t lie, I have spend money on micro transactions. But it was for cosmetics. DOTA 2.

          But I don’t see the point in pay to win.

          Reply

          • matthurstrsa

            February 18, 2013 at 13:49

            Yeah, cosmetics is alright, I don’t really consider those micro transactions. I know they are, but I was referring to something you can buy to make the game easier/help you finish it quicker. The DOTA/LOL systems are the best.

          • CodeScarwls

            February 18, 2013 at 14:37

            In that sense, then no. I don’t do micro trans.

            But I try to buy some cosmetics if the game was free and its awesome. It’s like donating 🙂

  11. mornelithe

    February 18, 2013 at 18:39

    Um….fuck PS+ subscribers, the overwhelming majority of gamer’s who propelled Sony to greatness through the PS2 era, and kept the PS3 from tanking, had nothing to do with PS+. I had it for awhile, and it’s a good system. But, paying for PS+, just to gain access to games you already own, is still paying for games you already own.

    I think I’d rather just put my PS3/PS2 games in my PS3, and use my PS4 for *Gasp* PS4 games. The original PS3 was so worth the purchase price 😉

    Reply

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