Ubisoft have confirmed that the PlayStation 5 will not be backwards compatible with PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3. (Thanks @Wario64!)
On Ubisoft’s “Transitioning PlayStation 4 Titles to Next-Gen Versions” FAQ, an older version of the webpage (found archived here), notes the following.
“QUESTION:How does upgrading from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 work? ANSWER:
As part of their next-gen upgrade process, PlayStation offer a number of features designed to help you move from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5.
PlayStation 4 players will be able to join multiplayer games with PlayStation 5 players.
Backwards compatibility will be available for supported PlayStation 4 titles, but will not be possible for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, or PlayStation games.”
The move is hardly surprising, given that nearly every generation, PlayStation consoles have only been able to run the prior generation of games. For titles older than that, players typically have to hope for digital copies on PlayStation Network, or ports made for the console.
The removal of any mention of it from the Ubisoft FAQ is likely to prevent making the FAQ confusions (mentioning platforms and games consumers looking at that FAQ are not interested in), as well as reducing any PR backlash against Sony on their behalf.
The idea of Sony making a surprise announcement that the PlayStation 5 is able to run all older generation PlayStation games seems fantastical. Due to licencing issues and files no longer being available, Sony would not be able to produce older PlayStation games themselves.
As such a feature would not directly translate into profit (even if it does become a selling point to some), and their investors could see such a move only supporting third-party resellers, it is unlikely we will hear such an announcement; despite the PlayStation 5’s boasted technical power.
While Microsoft announced their Smart Delivery upgrade system first, Sony have appeared to be matching Microsoft with upgrading major titles. Previously Sony had stated “the overwhelming majority of the 4,000+ PS4 titles will be playable” on the PlayStation 5.
Back in July, Bloomberg reported that PlayStation 5 production had reportedly doubled to 10 million. The alleged reason for this was due to the increased demand for gaming due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Previously we reported Bloomberg’s claims that the console’s production will be “limited” in its first year due to difficulties in acquiring the components and assembly thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. This may have been why the DualSense controller was revealed before the console itself.
Prior to that, Bloomberg reported that Sony were allegedly taking a “wait-and-see“ approach to the PlayStation 5’s pricing, according to their sources. This was seemingly motivated by struggling to find parts.
In earlier news, an Epic Games announcement for a Fortnite retail bundle may have just revealed a potential launch date window for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The information available lead to the theory that they would release anywhere from November 13th to the 20th.
A webpage for the “opportunity” to pre-order the PlayStation 5 at a later date has also launched.
The PlayStation 5 launches Holiday 2020.
Image: PlayStation
