The latest chapter of the backwards compatibility saga has opened for the PlayStation. Sony has taken a bit of a look at the details regarding compatibility support behind the PlayStation 5, and in particular whether it will be able to play games from the previous PlayStation 4, will you be able to play PS3, PS2 and original PlayStation titles on the PS3? ? According to Ubisoft, games from those systems are not supported on the next-gen console – however it remains to be seen whether this is true.
The Ubisoft support page explains how its title will transition from PS4 to PS5, as each publisher takes a different approach to cross-genre upgrades. The post mentions that PS4 players will be able to play able online games with PS5 players, in line with Ubisoft’s commitment to provide free next-pay generation upgrades for titles such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Watch Ch Dogs: Legion.
However near the end, the page adds this note: “Backwards compatibility will be available for supported PlayStation 4 titles, but not possible for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 or PlayStation Games.” [Update: Ubisoft’s support page has now been amended to remove this reference to older PlayStation hardware. As of yet, Sony has still not commented, so it’s unclear if the company simply didn’t want this information out there yet or if it’s inaccurate. We’ll report back if or when we learn more.]
This could mean that the compatibility behind the PS4 isn’t part of Sony’s plans for its new console, or that Ubisoft isn’t able to say yet. The limited time until the launch and the vague messaging around which the PS4 title will still be played on PS5 at the time of departure is likely to be the former. Gamespot has reached out to Sony for clarification.
For comparison, Micro .ft has already confirmed that the Xbox Series X will be compatible with most Xbox One games on the back, as well as all Xbox 360 and native Xbox games that are already compatible with their current console. More games are expected to be added to the backwards compatibility list once the Series X launches. Microsoft, meanwhile, has stopped adding new backwards compatible games to the Xbox One.
The PS5 is launching this holiday season, with both regular and -l-digital versions. Right now Sony still needs to confirm its launch lineup, exact release date and price, but has launched a program where you can apply for PS5 as one of the pre-orders. Spider-Man: Miles Moreless is also set to launch this holiday season, while Insomniac’s other PS5 titles, Reachchat and Klank: Rift Upper, are coming to the PS5’s “launch window.” Sony has also continued to share other teasers, including testimonials from developers about what the PS5’s SSD and 3D audio Dio Tech will allow.
