Rumour: PS4 to be backwardly compatible?

Sony isn't ready to turn its back on backward compatability just yet, according to a job ad put out by the company.

So Gamefront.de is reporting, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan is currently advertising for a software engineer to deal with backward compatability for both the PS3 and an unspecified next-gen console – which sounds an awful lot like the PlayStation 4 to us.

Specifically, the engineer will be required to implement and optimise emulation software for PS1, PS2, PSP and PS3 games on both formats.

[PS360WII]

Hmm don't we have 9 years to wait before we worry about this...?

[crunchie101]

Ah yes, but when the PS4 comes out you'll be able to download every PS1, PS2, PSP and PS3 game onto your 10TB hard drive from the Sony Virtual Game store!

[wageslave]

PS1 September 1995
PS2 October 2000
PS3 November 2006 (a Year Late due to problems).

See that? 5 Year Lifespans.

Sony Cannot UNILATERALLY withdraw from this industry-standard lifecycle without getting lapped.

Sure, Sony might say "PS3 has a 9-10 yr lifecycle", and its probably "true" in the sense that the PS2 is still available -- but the PS4 will almost certainly ship sometime near 2010.

Sony was crowing about the long lifecycle for one reason: To mute the criticism that their shipping late would cut into the useful life of the console for those who waited.

Its CLEAR marketing and PR, anyone who thinks that the PS4 isnt going to arrive sometime near the Xbox 720 is foolish and naive.

@1.3 & 1.8:
"and its probably "true" in the sense that the PS2 is still available"
Do you have a problem with reading comprehension?

The discussion is about the birth of the PS4, not the end of the PS3... but way to confuse the matter kids.

@1.12:
From IGN's Hardware shootout:

"CONCLUSION: When you break down the numbers, Xbox 360 has provably more performance than PS3. Keep in mind that Sony has a track record of over promising and under delivering on technical performance. The truth is that both systems pack a lot of power for high definition games and entertainment."

http://xbox360.ign.com/arti...

Dont buy the usual Sony marketing lies; the PS3 is no more "powerful" than the Xbox 360. Please, you Sony followers can't be that naive to buy up Sony's "its a laser-powered-mega-super-space -station-controller-mega-super hardware!!1!" they've made THESE SAME CLAIMS EVERY GENERATION. Its called M*A*R*K*E*T*I*N*G - you must have better media savvy than this, how do you people survive in the world?

Oh, and the Xbox 360 can also have its OS updated...your point?

[PirateThom]

A lifespan isn't from the start of one to the start of another, it's from the start of one until that one stops production officially:

PlayStation - November 1994 - March 2006
PlayStation 2 - March 2000 - ??
PlayStation 3 - November 2006 - ??

[ry-guy]

Whoops. Read a previous comment wrong.

[PirateThom]

Never mind....

[liquidsnake]

That's a game coming out this year for Genesis, they aren't actually recreating the console. Its a difference between if you haven't noticed.

[lesferdinand]

...it's a very smart move. PS3 BC was always meant to be software-based. Only because they didn't have the software ready in time they included hardware BC, which increased the cost of the system. You can't have this stuff ready too early.

I'm hoping though that the PS4 will be based around the Cell architecture so that developers can leverage more of their knowledge during the generational shift.

[TruthBTold]

as Private Thom said, PS2 games are still being developed so who ever owns a PS2 will still have new games to buy, so yeah, its still living, I mean why else would people still be buying the console. Just thought you should know that.

[PS360WII]

Oh yea I know. That was me mocking :)

[mikeslemonade]

When Blu-ray wins Sony has no incentive to bring out the next system. They don't want to lose more money by bringing another system. It's obvious that they're only thinking about next system because it's never too early to have a plan. PS2 emulator hasn't even been made and PS3 games so far are still hard to develop for let alone a software that will emulate PS3. This a rumor probably made my jealous xflops because they only have two generations of games which is kameo and gears of war and the next xbox is coming out next year.

And maybe the most logical thing they're trying to make is the next iteration PS3 that plays digital downloads only. Since Sony knows blu-ray won't last forever they're going to bank on the PS3 to do digital downloads just as the next xbox will have digital downloads. And this PS3 would be cheaper without the drive. And this protects Sony so that MS won't be able to 1up Sony and say they have this special thing.

[lesferdinand]

"PS3 November 2006 (a Year Late due to problems)."

The PS3 wasn't late, it was rushed to arrive early. The only reason Sony ever announced an earlier date was to keep people from getting a 360. Which kind of backfired.

[TheTwelve]

Wage, you're forgetting that the nature of the PS3 and its firmware updates allows it to be relevant even longer than the PS2 ever was. The system was built for the future, and is more advanced hardware-wise than the 360 and Wii. To take a rumor like this and then transform that into what you're saying is a bit of a stretch. The 360 and Wii need to worry about "last-ability", not the PS3. Sony will truly begin to know what they need for the PS4 once the 720 comes out. Until then, you will never hear Sony give an official statement on releases or specs. Sony can afford to wait and see what Microsoft does and then just one-up them, as they have done this generation.

12

[lawman1108]

It does not even have games to be BC with a new system and does not support the old ones it has.

[The Killer]

what make anybody blue ray wont last so long?? just because downloading contents is improving and getting more popular it doesnt mean blue will die, not every country is rich like america or some europian countries that can afford high bandwidth internet speed u know?? and still every body need to carry out the data on a physical format even after 100 years from now thats am sure of it!! but the question when will they bring the next new hardware storage format and how much more GBytes will it have more than 4x layers(100GB) will it have?? i think they will improve in the flash memory and i already saw 75GB small card like the old floppy disk! but we have to wait and see.

about ps4 well i think it will be based on Cell and it will have a blue ray drive like a ps3 if it doesnt even have something bigger(which i doubt it will happen in the next 4 years).

[fightingILLINI]

why play old ps games? i got rid of my ps2 and games when the ps3 came out. i dont want to go backwards in gaming. i want to go forward. they can leave it out for all i care if it makes it cheaper. have you seen how bad ps2 games look after playing your ps3? i could never go back.

[barom]

i would say ya are forgetting the psp. it has been on the market for about 3 years. Starting (note: starting) on a new handheld wouldn't be such a bad idea imo (which probably won't be out until 3 more years maybe)

[paul_war]

Well aslong as they don't remove or limit it from EU models!!!

[jam9]

Well, I still believed they would give PS2 backward compatibility to all of US. I mean I believe they are hiering ppl who works to develop software only PS2 emu. And in addition, new feature is the backward compatibility for PSP.

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

but,

good to know.

there is gonna be ALOT of great games this gen you`ll want to keep.

[Kleptic]

agreed...I already have 8 games for the PS3, and have only owned it for 10 months...the next system better support those...

[Bleucrunch]

I have 10 games and I only had it for 6 months I agree the next system is gonna have software backward compatability...but we cant worry about that for another 7 years.

[LJWooly]

I have 15 games!! Pwned you all!!!

Seriously, though, the PS3 has some great games already, and, looking at 2008's line-up, shows no sign of slowing.

[BobDog]

did every1 buy the 40 gig models with no backward compadibility and only 2 usb slots or something?

[Ju]

18! (LOL)

[DrakenSilverwing]

and not so great games, yet i still own 31 PS3 Games (in profile) and will soon own more in the weeks to come.. i think i'll be more broke this year then last..

[PirateThom]

Maybe they'll release it next year along side the 720.

Below - Yes, lol, because there's no way Sony or Microsoft are releasing new consoles this early.

[cjp4eva]

lol?

[GIJeff]

drop its next turd on 09.

[iNcRiMiNaTi]

the ps3 is just starting to build up steam this year and people are already talking about the next console. wtf? if they make a new console now then devs are prolly gonna switch to the newer console leaving the ps3 owners in the dust.

[cjp4eva]

na not happening sony aint micro$hit.

[Devr]

Console makers always start thinking about their next system right away. The development of the Wii began when Gamecube launched, for example.

[iNcRiMiNaTi]

yea its cool to come out with designs and trademark the name and stuff like that, nothing too serious. just dont release it ahead of schedule and everything should be good. also i doubt theyre gonna think about how theyre gonna do it hardware wise anyway. 2-3 years down the road we'll have graphics card that will easily eclipse anything on the market now, so make designs first then interiors later.

[Devr]

Good, Sony is learning from their mistakes.

1. Full BC
2. Only one SKU
3. Launches at 399$
4. Profit!

[cjp4eva]

idk id say it comes out at $499 at least.

[BigJeebz08]

Agreed, I don't see the next gen consoles somehow dropping back into the $300 range where the last gen were. Plus Consoles aren't what make the big money for the companies as far as I know.

[TruthBTold]

Sony is trying to find a way to make the 40gb and the 80gb fully backward compatable. That would really increase the value of having them. Its the only thing that theyre missing. Im glad I got the 60 gb

[Ju]

They'll keep the PS2 @ $99, the PS3 at $199-$299, an the "new one" above.

[mighty_douche]

Ummm, ill worry about that in 6 years time...

for now, im not even interested in people talking about a fictional piece of hardware.

[Genki]

Something that is at the very least 5 years off...let me just set my clock in anticipation.

Can anyone tell me where I can get cryogenically frozen? The suspense is killing me.

[mighty_douche]

My old mans a cryogenic engineer (honestly) so ill have a word. I hear its cheaper if you just have your head done.

[m9105826]

"Welcome, to the world of tomorrow!"

[Dudeson42]

Nice Futurama reference...

[Genki]

Stop exploding you cowards!

[m9105826]

@above

lol, that's one of my favorite episodes.

[Bathyj]

PS4 is still 5 or 6 years away. I think this has more to do with optimizing old games for the PSN store.

[Bombomb]

sony and BC has always been reliable until that $399 PS3 came out and they broke their own CODE of multiple Sku's and BC.

The game has changed and so has sony. IF they make a $800 PS4, just to save cost we will see another gimped SKU.

[Kyur4ThePain]

It will still (again) have more features that the $700 720 won't have.
And trust me, MS will again try and convince you that they're not needed, only to bring them out in the %800 720 super-uber model a year later.

[Bombomb]

looking at the Wii, makes me wonder sometimes if you need all those extra features...to be successful. I just wanna play games or be able to play old ones.

@KURT Below

I think that feature I said was GIMPED is BC. Hey even the Wii plays Game cube games without needing a new sku. Simple as that. That was just an example of a console being successful sales wise without all that sh#t you so so need. Hey the facts speaks for themselves.

[Kyur4ThePain]

If those features aren't important to you, as a "gamer", why refer to something without them as "gimped"?

You and I both know you're just stirring.

[light]

Not ready yet !!! Still got to see some exclusives on ps3.

[Xeikon]

The PS4 will launch in US and Japan with full backwards compatibility.
6 months later the PS4 will be out in Europe with reduced BC with higher price.
After 4 Months and a couple of fire sales they will remove all BC from the PS4.

[mighty_douche]

M$ appear to be attempting to clone the Douche!?

but once again, they didnt quite get it right, and the douche came out half assed.

[Bathyj]

The originals always the best. Copies are boring and best ignored.

[LJWooly]

Why do people keep making accounts with similar names as someone else, in order to disgrace their name?

We've already got 'Zuhk', about three versions of 'TheMart', 'mighty douche' (above, the real guy is 'mighty_douche') and even one of the least controversial members on this site, 'Meus Renaissance', has a double, called 'Meus Resistance', who goes about the site acting like a 360 fanboy.

Hell, even I have one (look out for 'ljwilly') and i've done barely anything controversial on this site, so what the hell is it with impersonating each other?

[WAR_MACHINE77]

I'm pretty sure its lightning. I think the whole thing is funny, sad but funny, because I'm sure he is trying to get people to take bubbles from any of the well known PS3 supporters.

[sonic989]

sony just lunched the ps3 last year and we are talking about ps4 from now.
the ps3 is cell-based system that should last until 2014-2016 no less than that .
so its maybe something with next ps3 model

[THC CELL]

PS4 will be out same as 720
and will take back whats theres a real console and real gaming

all major game dev will make games JUST for ps4

Games will be very easy developed Only on ps4

Back to the topic all games will be played bc on ps4
some will be download able

[bootsielon]

And to emulate the Cell processor, it's going to require a huge amount of knowlege and time. In the meanwhile they'll probably work in emulating the Graphics synthesizer. I bet that all PS3s will eventually be compatible with PS2; after all, that's easier than making 360 compatible with Xbox 1, since both the EE and the Cell are RISC processors, and the RSX should be able to do the GS job just fine, unlike on 360 where the ATI has to emulate an nVidia, and the PowerPC has to emulate an x86.

[Nameless]

It sounds like Sony is going the Microsoft way in terms of removing Backwards Compatibility only to make gamers buy a game they already own again on the Playstation Store. What a shame Sony. At least we can count on Nintendo for Backwards Compatibility.

[ban fans]

I thought it was such a great idea for both the PS2 and PS3, but you know what? Once I get a foot into the next gen systems, I don't look back. It's good in theory, but when I play PS3 for a couple hours, then pop in one of my old PS2 games, I can't help but just saying "WOW, these games look bad. How did I ever think this is cutting edge?"

Just my opinion, but, shave off the BC and drop the price next gen.
BC is a good idea on paper, but like the old saying goes, you can't go back!

[iNcRiMiNaTi]

without those "used to be cutting edge games" and the consoles u used to play them on, u wouldnt have the consoles youre playing now. id rather play some classics over some of the current games

[ban fans]

I absolutely agree with you. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the older hardware; in their time they filled my hours and wowed me. What I am saying is that once the new system comes out, I don't feel the need to back and play old software. And, yes, some of the older games are far better when it comes to story, control and overall gameplay. But, at the same time I think there are quality games that come out at a sufficient rate on any new hardware to keep me busy and enjoying the currant gen of hardware and software. I guess stepping backwards is just such a jolt to your sences because of the substantial leap with each new generation. I'd rather see a lower cost on the next gen with no BC than having to add a $100 to play the older games. Just my opinion.

[LJWooly]

It's called 'nostalgia', and it's the longing for the return to a time that's been and gone; to revisit the past and experience things the way they once were, and it's nostalgia that makes me plug in the N64 every now and then, or simply pop in an old PS1 disc into the PS3, and let the game take me back.

If you don't enjoy classic games, you obviously didn't have a good time playing them 'back in the day', or you didn't pick games good enough to withstand the test of time.

[ban fans]

Listen, I didn't realize my comment on my opinion (to save money on the next gen hardware) would raise such a big deal. I understand what nostalgia is, I've been gaming for about 25 years now. I've played classics like Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Space Harrier, Final Fantasy VII -FFXII, MGS, God of War, and on and on.

What I am saying is they don't hold up, in my opinion, to the great memories I have of them. They were great games, and on the rare occasion that I have gone back and played them they never are as good as I remember simply because of the natural evolution of games in general. Games today are more complex, have better stories, and better graphics/sound (in general) than the games I used to play. I have a limited time in which I can play games due to life (job, wife , family, ect), so I would rather play the new "classics" than go back and visit old ones. And if it saves me $100 to $200 on the next gen system, I would prefer that than being forced to pay for something I won't use.

This is my opinion. You have a right to yours. Don't insult my intelligence by defining "nostalgia" for me.

It's like going back to watch my wedding video, I don't care to do that either.

[Bombomb]

they will have to Emulate the "CELL", that is going to be a tough task.

"Sony exits future Cell development
Japanese electronics giant pulls out of research and production facilities for high-powered processor; ramps investment in image-sensor tech."

http://www.firingsquad.com/...

Makes you wonder will the new PS4 have the CELL? if Sony has exited further Cell Development. It makes me wonder was the Cell designed for games?

Personally I don't think it was. But that's playing with matches on N4g. I think the Cell was made for SERVERS and VIDEO PROCESSING. If they had to remove the PS2 "EMO" to reduce cut cost, I can't imagine the "CELL".

[THE_JUDGE]

Why are even speculating on the next console when the one we have is just over a year old. This is stupid.

[Korosuke]

This doesn't imply only next console.
Sony is looking for the engineer to develop emulation software for PS1, PS2, PSP games on PS3.
Cos Sony announced 20GB & 60GB PS3's shipments are going to stopped by this month.
After this announcement, the demand for the 20GB& 60GB increased and the market price rose more than 10% in some retailers.
So there is a possiblity, another backward compatibility sku supported by emulation may comes.

[THE_JUDGE]

your right that theres the possibility they could get on the emmulation tip for the PS3 in the future. The headline is very misleading then and the story shouldn't have been approved because of it. Either way, I'm tired of these job postings being twisted into some wild speculation on what the future holds for a console or game that hasn't even been made yet. Its freaking ridiculous.

[nitramn4g]

Finaly, sony is taking M$ example and fixing there mistake!

[RJ2000]

This is MS diggin up more CRAP on Sony trying to being more consumers their way. Open your eyes people. Think of how good Sony is doing with the QUALITY of the products they sell. Granted patience is required with Sony but it always pays off.

Ask yourself would you buy a TV from MS if they made them even if it was $200 cheaper? I wouldn't cause they would sell a better TV for the same price 2 weeks later .. and than another two weeks after that.

[sonic989]

Why all of you people thinking that ps4 is coming soon we will have at least 7 years of great games .
and the xbox720 is far away because microsoft didnt come up with a processor that is more powerful than cell .
the cell started devolopment since 2001 and we were hearing news about it in that time but now there is nothing like that happening even from MS also sooooo thiiink carefully about that so its fake or its a ps3 model or the website need to serve more visiters to be like ign.com nothing more.

[heyheyhey]

that is a very good pint you make- unless M$ want to flop yet another console they have to make a CPU more advanced than the CELL, and considering how long it took to get a processor monolith like the CELL that is going to be a loooooong time

or M$ can release the 720 with an inferior processor, but then they will just be making suckers pay for something that is still less powerful than the ps3- which is believable since they are fully aware of the amount of suckers and halo-addicts there are to buy their products and it is why i hate M$

[The_Engineer]

sony puts out an ad for an engineer to work on PS3 backward compatibility i.e. make it more compatible for PS1 and 2 games and fanboy idiots take this as a sign of PS4 development?? no wonder the 360 has sold well, alootttt of idiots out there.

[jessupj]

No one is saying the PS4 will come out in 3 years (well a few people are), but there's a loooong development period on a project this big. You can never start development too early. I think Sony have learnt from their mistakes and won't be letting M$ beat them by a year again.

But the way the PS3 is, I wouldn't be surprised if Sony intentially released the PS4 maybe even 2 years later. We'll still be very happy with our PS3 games when the 720 comes out. I could be very very wrong though, who knows.

[GITPWNED]

Sony's throwing-in the towel already? Smart move.

[eddispider]

Ha Ha Ha, sony said gt4 could do 120 frames pr second, it can bearly hold 60, sony are lying again

[Nemesis99]

well HELLO PLAYSTATION 4 :P

[JBaby343]

But I would be really surprised if the PS4 didn't support games from previous consoles. They would be crazy to give up on the past games they have. Still though we have quite a few years before we even need to be bringing this up.

[AceLuby]

Doesn't anyone remember 7 PS2's on top of eachother as a prototype for the PS3 (which turned out to be a prototype for the CELL)? That was only a few months after launch. I am surprised this news is as late as it is TBH.

[Doctor Strange]

I think is more of the case to add more BC to the PS3 and PSP games for the PS3. With the all the money they invested in the PS3 its going to be around for a long time.

[HCS]

WTF????? Their already talking about ps4? so much for ten years eh?????

Looks like microsoft aint the only one jumping ship early.

I'm jk it probably doesn't mean anything, don't get your panties in a bunch.

Like i said before, the new consoles probably aint comming out till 2010-2012.

[QuackPot]

The PS4 will be released when the xbox 720 is.

Sony won't make the same mistake with the Ps3 by giving a year head start.

Also Sony will learn from the Wii just to make an "evolved" or better version of the Ps3(improved Cell and GPU, more Ram & HDD space and improved controller) that will be cheap, cheap, CHEAP.

This PS4 will be fully backward compatible with the all the PS and developers will be able to easily programme for it after at least 3 years of programming for the Ps3.

Obvious.

[AceLuby]

W/out actually disagreeing ;). I think it really depends on the spec and timing of a new 720. If it's released 2010 there is no way Sony will get a system out on time. However, if that's the case and M$ does the 'same ol, same ol' and stops making 360's and games it will go the way of the Dreamcast, especially (not saying this will happen) if the 360 ends up selling less than the PS3. I know I would NEVER pick that system up, even if Halo 4 came out on it (really the only reason I wanted a 360 in the first place).

[ip-student]

MS's problem with the XBOX was that they didn't own the design so they couldn't price reduce over the years. The 360 doesn't suffer from that problem so the 360 is going to be made longer than the original xbox.

Impossible to predict but I would be surprised is the PS4 includes the Cell - despite the power it is a poor design for a console. I also wonder if optical media will be used - I would prefer to eliminate it because a HDD (or solid state drive) is so much faster.

My guess, given that Intel is moving back into the gaming CPU design, is that both MS and Sony use a similar Intel multicore chip that eliminates the need for a separate GPU. Remember that we only need enough RAM for a 1080p TV so massive graphics cards aren't needed. Instead, we need procedural generation (to minimize the cost of generating art work) and something like ray tracing to avoid the need for shadow maps. The problem right now is it is too expensive to create great games so we get 7-10 hour games. We need to cheapen up the cost of the artwork creation so more time can be spent on game play and creative level design. Using a similar chip will also allow developers to develop for both without the need to spend a lot of money on porting. Be nice in Nintendo decided to play for real again too - they would be getting ports plus still have the Nintendo magic. But we will see what happens in about 3 years.

[DFresh]

PS4 doesn't come out until Autumn of 2016 so were not going to see this for a very long time same with an Xbox 720 and the next Nintendo Console.
Why is everyone making a big deal about it this early?
It's only been 2 years since the 360 came out and 1 year for both the PS3 and Wii so no don't expect any new console anytime soon from any of these companies.
Sony on the other hand has the technology to release a PS4 w/OLED Technology and so forth but they won't release it anytime soon.

[level 360]

Wait till around 2011-12 before you start on your speculations and comments...

[cmrbe]

so sensitive about this rumor?. I am sure Sony have already started planning the PS4. What is wrong with planning ahead?. And what is wrong with having BC. Believe me when i say you will not hear about the PS4 officially until 2010. My prediction is you will not see the PS4 until the end of 2011-2012.

[bombzombie]

The problem with Sony making the next level of advancement is that it is going to cost more than this round will cost in terms of media, etc.

Why?
Many people have already taken the plunge into Blu-Ray believing that the PS3 is the answer to their long-term networking, storage, retrieval, distribution and hi-def playback of HDM, downloads and music.

That is an awful lot of faith and $$$ to ultimately place in one machine. Talk of removing the gaming component or relegating that function to a lower tier of emphasis can't help but be disturbing.

With the talk of BR being slowly replaced by DD and the threat from the AppleTV among others, the boxes from MS and Sony had better be good gaming devices lest they might not serve much other purpose in the future.

Additionally, as each iteration of games gets more expensive it becomes that much more important that you are able to play the last a little longer. Arcade games are useful in this regard as well as racing and shooters.

I just hope that the next gen of machines does everything smarter and cheaper. Why do the machines have to keep getting more and more expensive? I think it is possible to add in a few very desireable features and then let'er rip. Ninetendo has shown that it is easier to sell an upgrade for a modest price than it is to sell a Revolution for a bundle (money being relative to value).

[cmrbe]

that bought a PS3 will enjoy it being supported for another 9 years. There is nothing wrong with planning for the PS4 now and release it in another 5 years. I repeat. The PS4 will not be out in another 5 years. There is nothing wrong with developing BC for it now. Do you think they should wait until PS4 is about to release before they work on BC?

[wageslave]

The terrible state of N4G is on full display in this forum (and in every other story for that matter) and can be best shown by the sad level of Sony fan stupidity thusly:

Instances of "M$" in this forum? 7
Instances of "Micro$hit" in this forum? 1
Instances of the equally clever "$ony"? Zero. None.

I'll leave it to the reader to determine for himself who has totally destroyed this website... The irrational Sony fanchild rules this site.

[I Make Stuff Up]

That Sony fans are more creative?

I'll leave it to the reader to determine for himself what I think of you...stupid. See, now why would you destroy the suspense by answering your own question?

LOL

[TwissT]

Really I just got my PS3 so I would rather think of now instead of waiting 5-7 years for the ps4.

[unjust]

I doubt you will be seeing either til at least 2011 or 2012 maybe talk of it in 2010. However these companies are always working on bigger and better things. We the consumer just don't hear about it until they have their final prototype.

[CrazzyMan]

and that will happen somewere in 2014 i supose.

though there are still place for reality graphics in 2012, PS3 already showing AMAZIG result of such qyality in GT5.
not to speak about recent rumors of Crysis on PS3.

Hint: God of war 2 and Final Fantasy XII on PS2, which has 4Mb vram.
Play B3YOND!

I`m getting FFXIII, count me in.

[TheXgamerLive]

This Gen. the devs seem to be just now even approaching how to utilize the power of the systems, I mean MS/Xbox 360 has new people involved in "multi core" processing and the developers haven't been using it on games thus far so that's going to increase for the next few years the new titles abilities, same w/the sony/ps3 as devs learn more, more will come from the hardware. So easily 2011/2012 or longer if they desired, however the competitiveness of both companies won't allow them to wait longer I fell. If there's new technologies that for example the PC is using well of course the others want to have it available as well. HD-DVD/Blu Ray and or Digital Distribution will also effect the next X & PS, If one truly becomes the "new" mainstream I think they'll want to take it to the consumer early for gaming but this probably won't come to be before the time as said above ala 2011/12.

[Iron Man 2]

The Xbox 360's backward compatibility with original Xbox games is pathetic LMFAO!XD

[TheXgamerLive]

I own 53 original Xbox games and all 53 are backwards compatible, in fact almost everyone's favs are B/C. Ms is still doing B/C, there latest "live" update took the number I believe to over 450 B/C titles, maybe more not sure. That's hardly pathetic is it.

[Uzesgelen_Goo]

I have 18 pwnd ya all XD have a nice day if ps4 released then how much cost it will??

[moodymofo]

lets hope sony makes it through this disaster before they want me to spend more money on a new system and plus i dont really care that much about backwards compadibility anyway espcily if it will cut cost by not having it because if the new system has lots of suport i wont want to play the old games anyway

[jack who]

LIKE TEH PS3? OH WAIT!!!

[Jdash24]

i doubt we'll hear anything official of any sort about a ps4 for at least another 3-4 years

[Ju]

Imagine. The BC would not just be BC, but re-render geometry at a higher resolution (and scales/filters textures to support that). You could run older games in higher quality on newer systems. Yeah, that's what I want, actually. (BTW: That's what all PC based PS2 emus do)

[Fux4Bux]

Well it's going to be very hard so yeah they better be setting down the basic technology now. PS4 is probably going to use similar Cell architechture so PS3 B/C probably won't be too hard. They do need to start working on fully emulated PS2 B/C now though for 40GB PS3s.

[yoshifett]

Who writes this stuff? Five year olds?

[Blakzhuk]

Sony is planning the PS4 because they have lost with the PS3. Ratchet & Clank couldn't even move as much as my bowels did last week. It's a really sad day for Sony and its Kutaragibawlornaments that flood this site. Become a real gamer and buy a 360.

Jump in!

[CrazzyMan]

buy console, which is SO unrealiable and RRODing,
pay for online gaming, with service which is unstable already for a month.

or maybe they are just DUMB?

[pshizle]

2009-2010

[HardcoreGamer]

im going to tell it to you guys straight, because of all the news going around the 720 or the next xbox and plans already or they should shift etc ect..

THIS INFORMATION IS JUST TO LOWER PS3 EXPECTATIONS. AND RAISING FALSE AWARNESS THAT PS4 IS ACTUALLY ON ITS WAY,
i know this might sound camp to some of you but alot of news that tha usual joe will come accross in gaming might think,, "WHAT PS4 PLANS , ALREADY"
and might just forget about buying ps3, well anyway delaying his or her purchase.