PlayStation Now: Sony's Solution to Backwards Compatibility
If you are like me, the previous scenario has happened to you, and you hold at least a modicum of resentment towards companies like Sony for not making their systems backwards compatible. Well, if you were not aware, Sony developed somewhat of a solution to this problem, at least for lovers of the PlayStation 3. In 2014, PlayStation Now was announced, and full access was available in 2015 to all owners of the PS3 and PS4; however, access via the PS3 was discontinued on April 1 of this year.
Sony's motivations for enacting such a service, besides making more money, is rather obvious, for we are gradually entering a more digital age each day. Subscribers to the PlayStation Now service can stream more than 480 PS3 titles directly to their PS4 for either a 30-day or 3-month subscription fee. Each month, Sony is releasing more games to satisfy our nostalgia, and they are currently planning to release PS4 games in the streaming service as well.
Rumors continue to surface as to whether Sony will one day include PS2 and original PlayStation games in the PS Now library, but I personally hold high hopes for the service. For many gamers, such as myself, those old games hold sentimental value. I believe Sony plans to play on those emotions, and I am actually okay with that.
I have not actually subscribed to this service yet (because money); however, Sony offers a 7-day free trial for those who are interested, and I would love to hear that this will be worth it. Perhaps one day, video game companies will completely transition to digital titles. Personally, I will enjoy having the extra space in my video game cabinet. If you are interested in the service or want to see what games they currently have available, check it out here: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/psnow/games/
Happy gaming!
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