Backward Compatibility
Xbox’s Backward Compatibility is a Masterpiece; Why is PlayStation So Far Behind?
I popped my old Fallout 3 disc into my Xbox Series X, and it just worked – enhanced with FPS Boost even! My friend with a PS5 lamented he couldn’t play his PS3 copy of Metal Gear Solid 4. Xbox invested heavily in emulating Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, treating past libraries as assets. PlayStation focused on PS4 compatibility for PS5, largely leaving PS1/PS2/PS3 to remasters or a limited streaming catalog. This difference in engineering priority and philosophy has left Xbox with a far superior, almost seamless backward compatibility solution.
The “Hidden Cost” of PS5 Backward Compatibility (Missing PS3/Vita Games)
My PS5 plays my PS4 discs flawlessly, which is great. But then I looked at my shelf of beloved PS3 and Vita games – Infamous, Gravity Rush – unplayable on the new 500 dollar machine without repurchasing a remaster or subscribing to PS Plus Premium for streaming. This “hidden cost” isn’t monetary upfront, but it’s the loss of access to vast swathes of my PlayStation history. Unlike Xbox, where older generation access is largely free, PS5 backward compatibility feels incomplete, silently pushing you towards re-buys or subscriptions for older experiences.
FPS Boost & Auto HDR on Xbox: Making Old Games New Again (PS5 Can’t Compete)
I revisited Prey (2017) on my Series X. Thanks to FPS Boost, it ran at a silky 60fps, and Auto HDR made the colors pop. It felt like a new game. My friend playing an older PS4 title on his PS5 got the base experience, perhaps with faster loading. Xbox’s system-level enhancements automatically improve a huge library of older titles without developer patches, a transformative feature PlayStation currently lacks. This commitment makes exploring the back catalog on Xbox uniquely rewarding, genuinely breathing new life into past favorites.
Why Playing PS4 Games on PS5 Sometimes Feels…Worse?
I booted up an older, unpatched PS4 game on my PS5, expecting a boost. Instead, I encountered weird graphical glitches my friend hadn’t seen on his PS4 Pro. While most PS4 games run fine or better, a small subset can exhibit unexpected issues on PS5 due to the architectural changes, unless specifically patched. It’s a rare occurrence, but when it happens, it’s jarring. It highlights that backward compatibility isn’t always a simple “it just works better” scenario, sometimes requiring specific developer attention to ensure flawless performance on newer hardware.
The One PS3 Game I’d Pay ANYTHING to Play Natively on PS5
My friends and I were reminiscing. “If you could have one PS3 game perfectly playable on PS5, what would it be?” I immediately blurted out, “Metal Gear Solid 4.” Its unique reliance on the PS3’s Cell processor makes it notoriously hard to emulate or port. The thought of experiencing that masterpiece again, natively, with PS5’s speed and potential enhancements, is a dream. For many, there’s that one elusive PS3 title they’d gladly pay a premium to resurrect on modern hardware, a testament to that generation’s iconic library.
How Xbox’s Commitment to Backwards Compatibility Won Me Over from PlayStation
I was a die-hard PlayStation fan for years. Then, I saw my friend’s entire Xbox 360 digital library, hundreds of games, instantly available and often enhanced on his new Series X. My PS3 discs were coasters. That tangible commitment from Microsoft to preserve and enhance past purchases, valuing my existing library, was a powerful statement. It made the Xbox ecosystem feel more respectful of my investment. That dedication to backward compatibility was a key factor in my eventual switch.
Is PlayStation’s “Remaster/Remake” Strategy Just an Excuse for Poor Back Compat?
My friend rolled his eyes when Sony announced another 70 dollar PS5 remake of a PS3 game. “If they just had good backward compatibility, we wouldn’t need this,” he grumbled. While remakes like Demon’s Souls are stunning, the strategy of frequently re-selling older titles, rather than making original versions easily accessible on PS5, can feel like monetizing nostalgia that Xbox offers largely for free. It raises the question: is this a genuine artistic endeavor or a convenient way to sidestep the engineering challenges of broader backward compatibility?
The Technical Hurdles of PS3 Emulation (and Why Xbox 360 Was Easier)
A developer friend explained, “The PS3’s Cell processor was incredibly complex and unique – a nightmare to emulate efficiently on standard x86 CPU architecture like in the PS5.” The Xbox 360, while also custom, used a more conventional PowerPC architecture which proved somewhat easier for Microsoft’s engineers to create a performant software emulator for on their x86-based Xbox One/Series consoles. This fundamental difference in original hardware design is a primary reason why PS3 emulation remains a significant, costly challenge for Sony.
“If It Ain’t Broke”: The Xbox Games That Need No Enhancements to Shine Today
I loaded up Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved on my Series X. No FPS Boost, no Auto HDR needed – its timeless vector graphics and addictive gameplay are as perfect today as they were on Xbox 360. My friend booted up Pac-Man Championship Edition DX. Some classics, due to their art style or design purity, don’t require technical enhancements to remain incredibly engaging. Xbox’s backward compatibility ensures these gems are preserved and playable, shining brightly on modern hardware purely on their original merits.
The Digital Nightmare: Losing Access to Old Purchases on PlayStation (Xbox is Better)
Years ago, I bought several PS1 Classics on my PS3. On PS5, they’re gone unless they happen to be in the PS Plus Premium catalog. My friend, however, can still download and play many original Xbox and 360 games he bought digitally a decade ago on his Series X. Microsoft’s stronger commitment to carrying digital licenses across generations means Xbox users have far greater confidence that their old digital purchases will remain accessible, a stark contrast to PlayStation’s more fragmented and often inaccessible digital past.
How Game Preservation is Championed by Xbox (and Neglected by Sony?)
Seeing obscure original Xbox titles like Armed and Dangerous playable on Series X made me realize Microsoft views backward compatibility as game preservation. My friend, a game historian, often laments Sony’s approach, where many PS1/PS2/PS3 titles are only accessible via limited-time streaming or costly remakes, if at all. Xbox’s efforts ensure a vast library remains playable and accessible to new audiences, actively preserving gaming history in a way that Sony’s current strategy doesn’t seem to prioritize to the same commendable degree.
The Joy of Rediscovering an Xbox Classic with Enhancements on Series X
I found my old copy of Skate 3. On Xbox 360, it was fun but a bit blurry. On my Series X, thanks to Auto HDR and automatic resolution boosts, it looked surprisingly crisp and vibrant. Landing tricks felt smoother with the more stable performance. It was like uncovering a polished gem I’d forgotten I owned. This ability of the Series X to breathe new life into beloved classics, often without any new purchase required, is a constant source of delightful rediscovery for long-time Xbox fans.
Why Can’t My PS5 Play My PS1 Discs? (A Simple Question, A Complex Answer)
My nephew found my old Crash Bandicoot PS1 disc. “Can we play this on your PS5?” he asked. Sadly, no. While PS5 plays PS4 discs, Sony didn’t include software or hardware support for PS1 (or PS2/PS3) disc playback. The reasons are complex: engineering resources, licensing, and a strategic shift towards digital classics via PS Plus. For users, though, it’s a simple frustration: a PlayStation console that can’t play a huge chunk of PlayStation’s own history directly from the original media.
The “Classics Catalog” on PS Plus: A Poor Substitute for True Back Compat?
I browsed the PS Plus Premium Classics Catalog, finding some PS1 and PS2 gems. But many were missing, and PS3 games were streaming-only. My friend with an Xbox just pops in his old discs or downloads owned digital titles. While the catalog offers some access, it’s a curated, subscription-locked, and incomplete selection compared to Xbox’s more comprehensive backward compatibility that honors prior purchases directly. For many, it feels like a concession rather than a true, user-first solution for accessing their PlayStation legacy.
How Backward Compatibility Influences Your Decision to Upgrade Consoles
When deciding between PS5 and Series X, my existing library was a factor. Knowing my extensive Xbox 360 digital collection would carry over to Series X (and often be enhanced) was a huge plus for Microsoft. For my PlayStation-focused friend, the PS5’s assured PS4 compatibility was key, but the lack of PS3 support was a disappointment. Strong backward compatibility eases the transition, preserves investment, and can be a significant deciding factor for gamers with large existing libraries when choosing their next console.
The Performance of PS4 Games on PS5: Hits and Misses
Loading Ghost of Tsushima on PS5, the 60fps performance and near-instant fast travel were transformative – a definite hit! But then I tried an older, unpatched PS4 indie, and it had minor visual bugs not present on PS4. While most PS4 titles benefit significantly from the PS5’s power, especially with faster loading, and many receive specific patches for enhanced performance (like 60fps modes), a small minority can exhibit quirks or offer no noticeable improvement beyond load times, creating a slightly mixed bag.
The Performance of Xbox One/360/OG Games on Series X: Mostly Hits!
I played Red Dead Redemption (Xbox 360 version) on my Series X; it ran at a native 4K, looking stunning. My friend tried Gears of War 3, which benefited from FPS Boost. Microsoft’s engineering for backward compatibility ensures most older Xbox One, 360, and original Xbox games run flawlessly, often with significant enhancements like resolution boosts, Auto HDR, and FPS Boost, automatically applied. It’s a remarkably consistent and impressive showcase of making old games feel new again, a clear strength of the platform.
Could Sony Ever Offer Full PS1/PS2/PS3 Back Compat on PS5? (The Dream)
My friends and I often dream: what if Sony cracked PS3 emulation and offered full PS1/PS2/PS3 disc and digital backward compatibility on PS5? It would be a monumental win, instantly unlocking decades of PlayStation history. Technically, PS1/PS2 emulation is feasible (as seen in their Classics Catalog). PS3 remains the huge hurdle due to its unique Cell architecture. While a dream for fans, the immense engineering investment and shift in strategy required make it seem unlikely, though never say never.
The “Buy It Once, Play It Anywhere” Promise of Xbox (vs. PlayStation’s Silos)
I bought Halo Infinite digitally; I can play it on my Xbox Series X, my PC, and via cloud, all with one purchase and shared progress. My PlayStation friend often has to buy separate versions or rely on less seamless Remote Play. Xbox’s “Smart Delivery” and “Play Anywhere” initiatives create a cohesive ecosystem where game ownership transcends a single device. This contrasts with PlayStation’s more siloed approach, where playing across different platforms often isn’t as integrated or cost-effective for the user.
Why Some Games Are NOT Backward Compatible on Xbox (The Licensing Labyrinth)
My friend was disappointed his favorite original Xbox racing game, featuring licensed cars and music, wasn’t backward compatible on Series X. “Why not this one?” he asked. Often, the omission isn’t technical but legal. Expired music licenses, defunct publishers, or complex car manufacturer agreements can prevent games from being re-released or emulated, even if technically possible. This “licensing labyrinth” is a frustrating barrier for many beloved titles, a complex issue beyond Microsoft’s direct control.
The Value of Your Old Game Library: More Significant on Xbox or PlayStation?
Looking at my shelves, my Xbox 360 and original Xbox discs hold tangible value on my Series X, many playable and enhanced. My PS1, PS2, and PS3 discs? Mostly nostalgic coasters for my PS5. Due to Xbox’s superior backward compatibility, an old Xbox game library retains far more practical gameplay value and utility on modern hardware. For PlayStation users, the value of older physical libraries is largely sentimental or tied to keeping old consoles running, as their direct usability on PS5 is severely limited.
How Backward Compatibility Can Introduce New Audiences to Classic Franchises
My nephew discovered the original Mass Effect trilogy through Game Pass and Xbox backward compatibility. He’s now a huge BioWare fan. Playing these enhanced classics on modern hardware, without needing to hunt down old consoles, makes it easy for younger gamers or newcomers to experience foundational series. This accessibility, particularly on Xbox, helps keep iconic franchises alive and relevant, bridging generational gaps and expanding fanbases for timeless games by making them readily available.
The “Nostalgia Factor”: Is It Stronger for Xbox or PlayStation Back Catalogs?
Discussing old favorites, my PlayStation friends always bring up Final Fantasy VII (PS1) or Shadow of the Colossus (PS2). My Xbox pals talk about Halo: Combat Evolved or Fable. Both platforms have incredibly strong nostalgic pulls tied to their iconic exclusives and formative gaming experiences. The “stronger” nostalgia is purely subjective, deeply personal, and depends entirely on an individual’s gaming history and the specific titles that defined their earlier years on either ecosystem. Both offer a rich well of memories.
The Save File Transfer Saga: Moving Old Saves to New Consoles (PS vs. Xbox)
Transferring my PS4 saves to PS5 required cloud storage (PS Plus) or a USB drive – a bit of a process. My Xbox friend’s saves for backward compatible games largely synced seamlessly via the cloud when he moved to Series X. While both systems support save transfers, Xbox’s cloud-based system for older titles often feels more automatic and integrated, especially across console generations for backward compatible games. PlayStation’s process, particularly for PS4 to PS5, can involve a few more manual steps.
Why Doesn’t Sony Leverage Its Gaikai Acquisition for Better PS3 Streaming on PS5?
Sony acquired Gaikai, a cloud gaming company, years ago, which powers PS3 game streaming on PS Plus Premium. Yet, the performance can be inconsistent, and the library limited. My friend wondered, “With all that tech, why isn’t PS3 streaming near-flawless and more comprehensive?” It’s puzzling. Perhaps it’s server infrastructure costs, the complexity of streaming Cell-based games efficiently at scale, or a strategic decision to focus resources elsewhere. The potential of Gaikai for robust PS3 access feels largely untapped.
The Best “Enhanced for Series X/S” Backward Compatible Xbox Games
My friend showed me Fallout 4 running at 60fps on his Series X via FPS Boost – it was a revelation compared to the original Xbox One version. Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Dishonored, and numerous others receive significant visual and performance upgrades, often automatically. These enhancements transform the experience, making older titles feel surprisingly modern. Exploring the “Optimized for Series X/S” list reveals a treasure trove of classics given a new lease on life, showcasing Xbox’s backward compatibility prowess.
The PS4 Games That Run Surprisingly Well (or Poorly) on PS5
Days Gone on PS5, with its 60fps patch, feels like the game it was always meant to be – a huge improvement. However, I heard reports of a niche PS4 rhythm game having sync issues on PS5 before a patch. Most PS4 games benefit from faster load times universally. Performance boosts, like higher framerates or resolutions, depend on developer patches. While the vast majority run well or better, occasional titles might not see improvements or, very rarely, exhibit minor quirks until specifically addressed by developers.
The Future of Backward Compatibility: Will PS6/Next Xbox Support Current Gen?
Given Microsoft’s strong commitment, it’s almost certain the next Xbox will play Xbox Series X/S, One, 360, and OG Xbox games. My friend hopes the PS6 will at least seamlessly support PS5 and PS4 titles. Sony’s track record is less predictable beyond one prior generation. The industry trend is towards continuous ecosystems, making extensive backward compatibility a consumer expectation. Future consoles will likely prioritize it, but the depth (how many past generations?) may still differ between manufacturers.
How Emulation on PC Outshines Console Backward Compatibility (Sometimes)
My PC gamer friend plays PS2 games in 4K with fan-made texture packs via an emulator, something official console backward compatibility rarely offers. While console back-compat provides ease and legitimacy, PC emulation often allows for far greater visual enhancements, mod support, and access to even more obscure titles or regional variants. It’s a more technical route, but for dedicated retro enthusiasts seeking the ultimate customized experience, PC emulation can surpass the official offerings, albeit with legal and ethical considerations.
The “Director’s Cut” Trend on PlayStation: Cash Grab or Worthy Upgrade?
Sony released Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut for PS5, adding new content and PS5 features for an upgrade fee, even if you owned the PS4 version. My friend felt it was a cash grab. I found the Iki Island expansion substantial and the DualSense integration worthwhile. These Director’s Cuts often bundle meaningful new content with next-gen enhancements. Whether they’re “worth it” depends on the price and the scale of additions, straddling a line between a fair expansion and re-selling existing content with a polish.
The Legal and Technical Reasons Behind Missing Backward Compatible Titles
I wondered why Jet Set Radio Future isn’t on Xbox back compat. My friend explained it’s likely due to complex music licensing. Another game might be missing because the original publisher no longer exists to approve it, or the source code is lost, making emulation or porting technically unfeasible. Beyond simple desire, a web of legal agreements, intellectual property rights, and deep technical challenges often prevents even highly requested classics from appearing on modern backward compatibility programs.
If PS5 Had Xbox’s Back Compat, Would Game Pass Still Be as Appealing?
Imagine a PS5 that played all PS1/PS2/PS3/PS4 games flawlessly. “Would Game Pass still seem like such a killer app?” I asked my Xbox-loving friend. He paused. While Game Pass offers day-one releases and a vast rotating library, a huge part of its appeal is access to older Xbox generations. If PS Plus came with truly comprehensive PlayStation backward compatibility, it would massively boost PlayStation’s own subscription value, potentially diminishing one of Game Pass’s key competitive advantages for those invested in older titles.
The Most Wanted Features for PlayStation’s Backward Compatibility Efforts
My friends and I made a wishlist for Sony: native PS1/PS2 disc support on PS5, a reliable solution for PS3 (emulation or better streaming), and a system like Xbox’s FPS Boost/Auto HDR for older PS4 titles. “And please, carry over all digital licenses from PS3/Vita!” one friend added. Enhanced resolution options for PS2 classics and more consistent trophy support for older titles would also be fantastic, making their limited offerings feel more robust and user-friendly.
The Most Wanted Features for Xbox’s (Already Great) Backward Compatibility
While Xbox backward compatibility is superb, my friend suggested, “It would be amazing if they could unlock achievements for original Xbox games that never had them, or add more titles to the FPS Boost program.” Others wished for even wider game availability, overcoming licensing hurdles for missing favorites. Perhaps user-selectable resolution/performance modes for enhanced titles, or even official support for community-created enhancements, could take it from great to near-perfect for dedicated retro fans.
How Developers Feel About Their Old Games Being Resurrected via Back Compat
I read an interview where a developer was thrilled his decade-old Xbox 360 game found a new audience on Series X via backward compatibility, requiring no extra work from his team. Another indie dev expressed joy seeing his game preserved. Generally, developers seem positive, as it extends their game’s lifespan and reach. However, some might prefer players experience a newer remaster or remake if they feel the original hasn’t aged well or doesn’t represent their current quality standards.
The Role of Original Hardware in Experiencing Retro Games (vs. Emulation)
My collector friend insists on playing his PS1 games on an original PlayStation with a CRT TV. “It’s the authentic experience!” he claims. While backward compatibility and emulation offer convenience and enhancements, there’s an undeniable tactile and visual authenticity to using original hardware. The feel of the old controller, the specific visual output – for some purists, these elements are irreplaceable, providing a nostalgic connection that modern solutions, however accurate, can’t fully replicate.
The “Untapped Potential”: Classic Franchises Sony/Microsoft Are Ignoring
I dream of a new Sly Cooper from Sony or a revival of Crimson Skies from Microsoft. My friend longs for a modern take on Shadow Hearts (PS2) or Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360). Both platform holders possess rich back catalogs filles with beloved but dormant franchises. Leveraging these IPs through sequels, remakes, or even just ensuring their easy accessibility via backward compatibility represents a huge untapped potential to delight long-time fans and introduce new players to classic gaming universes.
The Day I Realized My Entire Xbox 360 Digital Library Worked on Series X
Setting up my Series X, I browsed “My Games & Apps.” To my astonishment, nearly every Xbox 360 game I’d bought digitally over the years was there, ready to download. Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, countless XBLA titles… It was like unearthing a treasure chest. That moment solidified my appreciation for Microsoft’s commitment. It wasn’t just a few select titles; it was my personal gaming history, preserved and accessible, a stark contrast to my fragmented PlayStation digital past.
The Disappointment When a Favorite PS3 Game Isn’t on PS Plus Premium
I excitedly checked the PS Plus Premium Classics for Resistance: Fall of Man, a launch PS3 favorite. It wasn’t there. My friend had a similar letdown searching for another beloved PS3 exclusive. While the service offers some great titles, its curated nature means many personal favorites and cult classics from the PS3 era are conspicuously absent, even for streaming. This highlights the limitations of a subscription catalog versus true, comprehensive backward compatibility for accessing specific beloved older games.
The “Generational Leap” vs. “Continuous Ecosystem” Philosophies (Sony vs. MS)
Sony often emphasizes distinct “generational leaps” with its consoles, focusing on new hardware and bespoke experiences (PS5 from PS4). Microsoft, with extensive backward compatibility and Smart Delivery, promotes a “continuous ecosystem” where games and accessories transition more seamlessly across hardware iterations (Xbox One to Series X/S). One prioritizes revolutionary breaks and new paradigms; the other, evolutionary hardware within an ever-expanding, unified gaming environment. These contrasting philosophies deeply shape their approach to past content.
How Much Development Time Does Robust Backward Compatibility Take?
A software engineer friend explained that creating a performant emulator for a complex console like the Xbox 360, as Microsoft did, represents many thousands of engineering hours – a multi-year, multi-million dollar project. It’s not a simple task. It requires deep hardware understanding, sophisticated software development, and extensive testing for a vast library of games. This significant investment in time and resources is why truly comprehensive backward compatibility, especially for unique architectures, is a major undertaking.
The Financial Incentive (or Lack Thereof) for Sony to Invest More in Back Compat
“Why doesn’t Sony just do full PS3 back compat?” my friend asked. One argument is financial: resources spent on emulating old systems don’t directly sell new 70 dollar games or PS5 consoles in the same way a new exclusive might. Sony might calculate that selling remasters or including select classics in PS Plus Premium is more profitable than a massive, costly engineering effort for full backward compatibility, which primarily benefits existing owners of old games rather than driving new software sales.
The “Definitive Version”: Is It on Original Hardware, Remaster, or Back Compat?
Playing Shadow of the Colossus: is the PS2 original, the PS3 remaster, the PS4 remake, or a hypothetical PS5 emulated version “definitive”? My friends debated this. Original hardware offers authenticity. Remasters often improve performance but can alter art. Back-compat enhanced versions (like on Xbox) offer convenience and boosts. There’s no single answer; the “definitive” experience is subjective, depending on whether one values purity, modern polish, or accessibility most. Each version offers a different lens on a classic.
Why Microsoft’s Approach to Back Compat is Pro-Consumer
When I upgraded to Xbox Series X, nearly all my old digital games and many discs just worked, often better. I didn’t have to re-buy them. Microsoft’s efforts with FPS Boost, Auto HDR, and preserving licenses across generations demonstrate a pro-consumer stance. They respect a player’s existing investment and strive to make past purchases valuable on new hardware, largely free of additional charge. This contrasts sharply with approaches that frequently require re-purchasing or subscribing to access older owned content.
The Games I Re-Bought on PS5 That I Already Owned on PS4 (Thanks, Sony)
I owned Spider-Man on PS4. To get the enhanced PS5 version with Miles Morales, I had to buy the Ultimate Edition. My friend re-bought The Last of Us Part I on PS5, despite owning the PS4 remaster. While some PS4 games offer free PS5 upgrades, many of Sony’s flagship titles or “Director’s Cuts” have required a paid upgrade or full repurchase for the definitive next-gen experience, leading to effectively buying the same core game multiple times across PlayStation generations.
What if Nintendo Handled Backward Compatibility for Sony/Microsoft?
I imagined Nintendo designing backward compatibility for PS5: it would probably be tied to a subscription, offer a curated list of classics with unique, quirky enhancements, and maybe even some new “NES Remix” style challenges for old games. My friend laughed, “And it would just work flawlessly for those selected titles.” Nintendo’s approach is typically polished but often limited and monetized. Applying their philosophy to Sony/Microsoft’s vast libraries would yield fascinating, likely very different, results than current strategies.
The Storage Space Dilemma: Old Games Taking Up Valuable SSD Real Estate
My PS5’s SSD filled up fast. Installing a few PS4 classics I wanted to replay meant less space for new PS5 behemoths. My friend with an Xbox faced the same with his Series X: his vast backward compatible library constantly vied for precious SSD space. While it’s amazing to have access, these older games, especially larger Xbox One or PS4 titles, consume significant storage, forcing difficult choices about what stays installed on the limited, expensive internal drives of modern consoles.
The “Forgotten Gems” Resurrected by Xbox Backward Compatibility
Browsing the Xbox backward compatibility list, I found Otogi: Myth of Demons, an original Xbox cult classic I’d completely forgotten. My friend rediscovered Condemned: Criminal Origins from the 360 era. Microsoft’s extensive program has unearthed many lesser-known or “forgotten gems,” giving them a second life on modern hardware. This allows new players to discover unique titles they missed and veterans to relive cherished, niche experiences that might otherwise be lost to time and obsolete hardware.
The “What Could Have Been”: PlayStation Vita Games on PS5
I looked at my beloved PS Vita, gathering dust, home to gems like Persona 4 Golden (before its PC port) and Gravity Rush. “Imagine these, natively on PS5, with trophy support and upscaling,” I sighed to my friend. The Vita had a fantastic, unique library. The lack of any official path to play these games on PS5, not even via a Classics Catalog, feels like a huge missed opportunity to preserve and celebrate a distinct part of PlayStation’s handheld heritage on its flagship home console.
My Ultimate Wishlist for Backward Compatible Games on PS5 and Xbox
For PS5, I dream of native Metal Gear Solid 4, the Resistance trilogy, and Infamous 1 & 2. For Xbox, I’d love to see Jet Set Radio Future, Max Payne 3 with enhancements, and more original Xbox titles added. My friend chimed in with his own lists, a mix of iconic blockbusters and obscure personal favorites. Every gamer has that personal wishlist, those specific older titles they yearn to see preserved and playable on their modern console, a testament to gaming’s enduring legacy.