Sony is allegedly working on PlayStation 3 backward compatibility for PS5 consoles. This new feature could allow a selection of PS3 games to become natively playable, eliminating the need for cloud streaming.
Nick Baker, an XboxEra podcaster, reports that Sony is developing "select" PlayStation 3 backward compatibility, akin to the approach used by Xbox One and Series consoles.
"The rumor I've heard is that Sony is working on select PlayStation 3 backwards compatibility," Baker said. "They'll selectively choose specific PS3 games to emulate and release on PlayStation 5/PS Plus."
Sony’s backward compatibility method is reportedly similar to Xbox's, though it’s unclear if players will be able to use their existing Blu-ray discs or PS3 digital library on the new consoles.
The library of titles may start off small if the feature becomes a reality. Games with licensing issues — such as racing games with licensed songs or games tied to other IPs — might not return on PS5.
It's also uncertain if PS3 emulation on PS5 will enhance the games beyond their original state. Currently, Xbox backward compatibility offers upgrades like FPS Boost, enhanced resolutions, and HDR enhancements. Games like Final Fantasy XII have even been upgraded with high-quality cutscenes compared to the Xbox 360 original.
Both PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles support emulation for PlayStation and PlayStation 2, with additional features. Select games can be played in enhanced resolutions and sometimes with full trophy support. However, recent releases have been rougher than fans expect from modern games.
PlayStation 3 emulation has gained popularity on PC, thanks to the RPCS3 emulator. Used on high-end PCs and handhelds like the Steam Deck, gamers are more eager than ever to revisit the PS3 generation.
In the past, the cell processor used in Sony’s PS3 made emulation seem impossible. However, with the increased power available with Sony’s PS5 and some of the industry’s best engineers, bringing the platform back to modern gamers should be more than possible.
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