Sony will let PlayStation 4 owners play PS3 games sometime in 2014, via the Gaikai streaming system. Sony has also detailed its PS3-to-PS4 game upgrade program. Lastly, Sony says that they are considering launching the PS Vita TV box in USA and Europe.

PS4 will play PS3 games in 2014
The PlayStation 4 is based on "PC hardware", but the PlayStation 3 is a more whimsical system based on a Cell processor that is quite unique - which is also why the PS4 cannot run PS3 games natively.

The solution? Stream PS3 games directly from Sony’s servers to a PS4 with the Gaikai system. Sony informed the media about its plans at the first PS4 event, but refrained from providing a specific date, which led some to believe that it would take many months.


The PlayStation 4 will be able to handle PS3 games in 2013

Sony now confirms that the PS3 streaming system will go online in USA in 2014. It will roll out in Europe and Asia later. Sony says that a fairly large catalogue of games will be available at launch, and even says that PS3 games can be played on the handheld PS Vita and the PS Vita TV box. It is still unclear if users can access games that they already own or if gamers will have to buy the games again.

Sony also detailed its PS3-to-PS4 upgrade plan. A few games will be available on both systems, and if you decide to buy Assassin's Creed 4, Watch Dogs, Battlefield 4 or Call of Duty: Ghosts for PS3 you can later upgrade to the PS4 title. The upgrade program has been confirmed for the US and the UK, and you should expect to pay 10 USD / 10 UK pounds. Full instructions are available here.

Possible PS Vita TV launch in USA & Europa
Sony says that buyers in Europe and USA have responded very enthusiastically to the PS Vita TV box, and therefore Sony is currently considering launching it in USA and Europe.


Sony’s PS Vita TV box can run Vita games, but also act as an extender for the PS4

The PS Vita TV box is interesting as it lets PS4 owners stream PS4 games to other TVs in the house. The small box can also handle PS Vita games, and as described above, PS3 games sometime in 2014.

So, when? Sony won’t say yet.

Jump to our PlayStation 4 section to learn more.

- Source: IGN & Engadget