Backward compatibility has always been a desire for both Xbox One and PS4 users but it was deemed impossible due to the separate processers between they and their previous counterparts. That is, of course, Xbox dropped the mic at this year's E3.
Announcing backward compatibility for the Xbox 360 by making a digital Xbox 360 from software inside the Xbox One is genius. In fact, it seemed so simple that players were asking "what took so long?" Of course, it's easier than it sounds and was such an undertaking in fact that Sony themselves admitted they had "No clue" how Microsoft pulled it off.
Fast forward six months and Sony has sneakily launched PS2 emulation on the PS4. The devil is in the details as they say and Sony continues to not be able to get put of their own way. Xbox 360 Games via the BC program are totally free. All you have to do is own the game, either disc or digital, and it's yours to play at no extra charge. Of course, if you've already traded it in THEN you'll have to re buy the game, but that's on you, not Microsoft.
Sony, on the other hand, is making you pay for your games even if you still own the PS2 version. The program is not compatible with PS2 discs or PS3 digital purchases of the games. In other words, you're fucked. Beginning tomorrow, Sony has announced that the first 8 games are available for purchase via this tax, err program, and will cost a minimum of $9.99 per game. The first games announced are:
Dark Cloud — $14.99
Grand Theft Auto III — $14.99
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City — $14.99
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas — $14.99
Rogue Galaxy — $14.99
The Mark of Kri — $14.99
Twisted Metal: Black — $9.99
War of the Monsters — $9.99
Sony promises to continue adding games via this program and why wouldn't they? They are literally charging players to play their own game even if they already own the actual game. Look, I could see if the charge was only if you had to buy the game again bc then Sony is providing it to you. That's not what this is, however. Personally, I've played both systems with many games on each and have reviewed many PS4 games. This isn't a Sony bash or praise Xbox article either. It's from a gamer's perspective. I play everything and, regardless of what system you play, you should be upset about this because it's an absolute joke.
If Sony can make a program that plays the game only digitally through emulation, then why can't digital games be used if you already own them? It's software. That is what an emulator is. If the emulator is running it should be able to operate either disc or digital game.
Sony has all the sales. They are bearing Xbox One and whatever, that's fine. Regardless of what you play, let's be honest. The main reason PS4 is winning is marketing and the belief that you can see the difference between 1080 and 900P resolution. You can't. Not with the naked eye. Other than PlayStation, however, Sony is hemorrhaging money with bad financial decisions. Both systems need each other to keep each other going. Unfortunately, it looks like Sony's bad money making decisions are starting to come to the PS division as they continue to struggle with seeing the forest through the trees. At this point, Sony needs to figure out how to make the game's function like Xbox 360 BC or just throw in the towel. And PS players, fanboy stuff aside, do you really want to pay for your same games? Does it really not bother you?
All I know is if you buy just a single game through this program you no longer have the right to complain. Choice is yours.
