The PlayStation 5 is Sony’s current flagship console. In any case, the device is backward compatible up to the PS4, so that it is also possible to play games for the 4th generation on the PS5. Could this soon be the case for PlayStation 3 titles as well?
Anyone who is currently lucky enough to already own one of the coveted PS5 consoles can not only play the new exclusive titles for the high-end console. All PS4 games will also work on PlayStation 5, but what about older titles, especially PS3? In recent weeks there have been increasing indications that Sony is working on a solution for PS3 games on the PS5. TECHBOOK provides an overview and assesses the situation.
Rumors about new PlayStation 5 backwards compatibility
The PlayStation 3 appeared as a console back in 2006, and its successor, the PlayStation 4, came out seven years later. Another seven years later, in 2020, the PlayStation 5 followed. So there are a proud 14 years between the two models – and many, many games. PlayStation 5 players can already play some of them on the new flagship console. However, older games released for the PS3 at the time continue to pose a problem. A popular example is Prince of Persia.
In January 2022, some PS3 classics suddenly appeared in the PlayStation Store – even with a price. Among other things, the already mentioned “Prince of Persia” and some “Dead or Alive” titles were affected. These rumors were fueled by a patent application by PS5 system architect Mark Cerny.
New subscription model brings first PS3 classics
With the announcement of the new subscription model, at least some of the rumors were confirmed. In the so-called PlayStation Plus Premium, the highest subscription level for 16.99 euros per month, there is the option of playing selected PlayStation 3 games via cloud streaming.
Not everyone thinks that is a good thing, the reactions sometimes vary widely. Among other things, the fact that the corresponding PS3 games can only be streamed and therefore no longer belong to the players is a source of irritation to critics. Lack of internet speed is also an issue for some. Many would much rather see a real emulator to play older games on the new console.
Is an emulator planned for PS3 on PS5?
According to industry insider and Gamesbeat author Jeff Grubb, Sony may well already be working on the project. For the older models – PlayStation and PlayStation 2 – there is already a solution. According to Grubb, a corresponding emulator for the PS3 games is in the planning stage, but it could still be a long time coming.
“After we talked about it all week, I looked, I asked. It sounds like Sony is working on a PS3 emulator for the PS5. It might take a while.”
Jeff Grubb
Unfortunately, the fact that Sony now provides access to older games with the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription with a payment barrier speaks for it. And while Grubb is considered a well-connected insider in the industry, the info that Sony is actually working on an emulation for PS3 games on PS5 is by no means official. However, the patent mentioned above supports Grubb’s statement. If necessary, the emulator, like the cloud streaming version, would only be available to PS Plus Premium subscribers for the time being. TECHBOOK will inform you about further developments.