Reader won't purchase PS6 unless Sony restores PS4 feature.

Over the years, Sony has made a name for itself in the gaming industry with its PlayStation consoles. As a long-time fan, I have seen the evolution of the PlayStation from its first iteration, the PS1, to the most recent one, the PS5. However, there are some concerning decisions that Sony has made, which have led me to reconsider my loyalty to the brand.

For starters, I remember how the PS1 offered not just gaming but also music CD support and memory card storage. It was a revolutionary console that paved the way for iconic franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Tekken, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, and Gran Turismo. These features were what made the PlayStation stand out from its competitors.

However, as time went on, Sony started to strip away these beloved features, starting with the PS3. One of the biggest issues I had with the PS3 was its divided memory, which caused problems for developers. And to make matters worse, Sony decided to remove features like backwards compatibility and the ability to install Linux.

These decisions not only disappointed fans but also led to the infamous PSN hack, causing Sony to lose billions. While the PS4 did have some great games and features, such as Live from PlayStation and an internet browser, it still lacked some of the features that made the earlier consoles so beloved. Now, with the PS5, it seems like Sony has not learned from its mistakes.

The console lacks features like Live from PlayStation and a working internet browser, which is a letdown compared to its rival, the Xbox Series X. As a fan, I am disappointed that Sony has not taken the time to listen to its consumers and make improvements based on their feedback. However, the biggest letdown for me has been the recent announcement of Gran Turismo 7 for the PS5.

As a fan of the series, I have been waiting for years for a new installment, only to find out that it lacks features like B-spec AI in races, which was present in Gran Turismo 4. It seems like Sony is not putting in enough effort to make sure its latest title is up to par with its predecessors. In my opinion, for the PS6 to be a success, Sony needs to bring back the features that made the earlier consoles so great, as well as ensuring a good lineup of games at launch.

It's also crucial for them to listen to the feedback of their consumers and make necessary improvements. And speaking of improvements, by 2026, it should be a given for the PS6 to have disc-based backwards compatibility for all previous PlayStation consoles. It's unfair for consumers to have to repurchase games they already own on disc, especially when there are emulators available on PC that can do the job.

If Sony does not make these changes, I will not be purchasing the PS6. It will just feel like an expensive paperweight to me, and I refuse to waste my hard-earned money on it. As a fan, I hope Sony learns from the success of the PS2 and gives us a real PlayStation to be proud of.

It's time for Sony to step up and give gamers a reason to stick with the brand. Am I the only one who feels this way? I highly doubt it.