Introducing the PlayStation4
Introducing, the PlayStation4 (PS4), the latest in Sony’s premier gaming consoles, offering more features than a 20 theater cineplex. 🙂 Here are just few:
- Plug your Headphones Directly into the Controller,
- Saving to a USB Device,
- Ability to Access Several Video Applications (Netflix, Hulu Plus+ and more),
- Response to Voice Commands,
- Ability to Switch Apps on the Fly,
- Ability to Create Your Soundtrack and
- Share Play and Broadcast Your Gaming.
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction
Despite the myriad of features, there’s a particular group of gamers who aren’t completely satisfied with the PS4. Their dissatisfaction stems from PlayStation4 (PS4) inability to play older games from the PS, PS2 and PS3.
In fact, the question of backward compatibility is one of the first questions gamers ask before purchasing the PlayStation4. Many gamers already have their favorite games on the older PS consoles and would like to continue play on the PS4.
Sony’s Decision
The older PSs aren’t compatible with the PS4 as they operate on a different system structural design. However, with an inbuilt emulator, it would be possible for the PS4 to play older games.
The emulator would need to be powerful enough to allow for the smooth operation of older games at top speed.
Within it’s class, PS4 Pro is reasonably priced at $399. This is especially when compared to it’s limited backward compatible competitor XBox One X at $499.
While Sony places great importance on their customers experience and satisfaction, it would take too many resources to achieve this, so the company is more focused on making several gamer favorities available.
Introducing PlayStation Now
Technological advancements has made it easy for Sony to find a lasting solution to the issue of backward compatibility.
The PlayStation Now has a backward streaming subscription allowing you play a selection of titles on your PS4. Sony is making diligent progress in bringing more games to the PS Now catalog.
Of course, it will take time to get all titles on the PlayStation Now as the first PlayStation was released over 20 years ago.
PS Now
The PS Now gives you access to several titles a month for the price of one used game. There are already plans in process to have several more options.
The PS Now comes with some advantages over the PS2 and PS3 with its many new exciting features. It makes the gaming experience a lot more enjoyable with better visuals. You also have the opportunity to win trophies from your past titles.
It also gives gamers the luxury to replay favorite games. As a streaming service via the PlayStation servers PS Now needs a steady and fast internet connection.
Remarkably, you can also decide to test drive PS Now by using the seven days free trial option to see if it meets your needs. PS Now can run on select Sony smartphones, PC and MAC.
Rental prices ranging from $1.99 to $19.99 depending on the title and duration of the rental period. Is the lack of PS4 backward compatibility really a problem?
No, thanks to the PS Now game streaming service and Sony’s commitment to increasing the number of available older game titles.
The question of if and when children should play violent video games largely depends on the individual child. A child with a history of violent behavior might be more susceptible to negative reactions to violent games.
Writer Guy Foster presents several excellent points parents should consider when deciding what age your child should be allowed to play violent video games.
It shouldn’t be that hard for them to at least make a PlayStation 1 emulator – and perhaps offer it on the PlayStation store for a nominal fee if cost is their concern – since that can easily be done via software in much the same way it was done for the PS3. Making it backwards compatible to the PS3 and PS2 might be more difficult to do if they want the game to run smoothly, though.
Thank you Joe for your observation.