The latest update regarding PlayStation 6 clarifies what fans have been worried about—or eagerly anticipating—depending on their perspective.

I’m a big proponent of backward compatibility, primarily because it allows us to preserve classic games and replay older titles on modern consoles, often with enhanced resolution and performance. However, there’s a downside to this feature. Some console manufacturers and publishers overly rely on older games instead of delivering fresh, exclusive experiences tailored for the new generation. Microsoft has been a pioneer in backward compatibility since the Xbox 360 era, with the Xbox Series X supporting some original Xbox discs alongside digital titles. The PlayStation 5 supports most PS4 games, but earlier generation titles are largely tied to a PS Plus subscription. While I’m a fan of backward compatibility, I expect new consoles to prioritize exclusive, cutting-edge titles that showcase their capabilities.

According to Push Square (via MP1st), PlayStation co-CEO Hideaki Nishino confirmed that PS6 would support PS5 games for as long as the PS4 has supported the PS5. In an interview with Famitsu, Nishino stated: “Even today, many people still play PS4 games, and the number of PS5 titles is growing rapidly. This isn’t likely to change anytime soon, so there’s no doubt that home gaming consoles will remain at the core of our business for the foreseeable future.”

He added: “Some might misunderstand me when I say this, but with PS Portal and PS5 games running through the cloud, some may think we’ve already entered the cloud gaming era. However, you still need a controller and a screen in your hands, so hardware isn’t disappearing just yet.” Hopefully, when PlayStation 6 launches, it won’t rely too heavily on backward compatibility. As much as we love revisiting older titles, a new-generation console should deliver experiences that feel truly next-gen.

Sony is expected to release the PlayStation 6 between 2027 and 2028.

Source: GamingBible