The PS5's inability to play games from the PS3 and earlier consoles was clearly stated by Sony's most senior PlayStation executive.

Jim Ryan, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, told Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu that there is a very good reason for this, and that it is to focus on the power and features of the next-generation console.

He said that during development, the company decided to focus on the PS5's unique features, namely the new custom SSD and DualSense controller, rather than backward compatibility. when asked about compatibility with the PS1, PS2, and PS3, Ryan said:

We have built our device around engineering specifically for the PS5. In the process, we introduced PS4 compatibility because PS4 already has 100 million players and we wanted to make sure PS4 titles could be played on PS5. In parallel with that, we also focused on fast SSDs and the new "Dual Sense" controller. So unfortunately, we have not been able to achieve compatibility."

"We are very sorry to say that we have not been able to achieve compatibility.

This unfortunate news had already come to light from Ubisoft's support article." It clearly stated that "backwards compatibility is available for compatible PlayStation 4 titles, but not for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, or PlayStation games. However, the fact that we heard this from one of Sony's executives leaves no room for denial.

You can still play some older games through PS Now, Sony's game streaming service, not to be confused with PS Plus Collection, which does not cost extra to join PS Plus but offers a smaller selection of PS4 games to play. PS Plus Collection is a new PS Plus benefit that does not require an additional fee to subscribe to PS Plus, but offers a smaller selection of PS4 games to play.

Speaking of PS4 games, Sony claims that "99%" of traditional PlayStation titles will be playable on PS5. This does not necessarily mean that you will be able to play all of your game library on the PS5 at launch. However, eventually you should be able to enjoy your PS4 game collection on the new console.

The PS5 is currently available for pre-order, but the process has not been particularly smooth so far. Featuring a super-fast SSD, DualSense controller, new haptic technology, and a small but interesting selection of launch titles, it is expected to arrive in customers' homes and stores on November 12 in the US and November 19 in the UK.

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S can be pre-ordered starting September 22, but will arrive a little earlier on November 10.