14 DAY TRIAL // After many reports and quite a few rumors, Sony has confirmed that it's going to debut a special game streaming service called PlayStation Now that will grant owners of PS4, PS3, or PS Vita consoles access to older games on their platforms.
When Sony revealed the PS4 back in February of 2013, it promised that backwards compatibility with the PS3 and other home consoles would be ensured through a cloud streaming service based on its recently-acquired Gaikai division.
Now, the company has revealed at CES 2014 the PlayStation Now service that broadcasts from the cloud, at first, PS3 games for the PS4, PS3, and PS Vita platforms.
"We are thrilled to deliver entertainment experiences only possible from PlayStation through our new streaming game service," said Andrew House, president and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, in an official statement. "PS Now will allow users to engage in the world of PlayStation, whether they're existing fans or have never owned a PlayStation platform."
At first, PS3 games will be available for streaming on the PS4 and PS3 systems, and the PS Vita will join them at some point in time, alongside actual Sony Bravia TV sets, not to mention other Internet-connected devices.
"SCE's vision for PS Now is to enable users to instantly enjoy a wide range of full games on the Internet-connected consumer electronics devices they use every day. The accessibility of PS Now means, for example, that PS4 users in the living room can continue playing a game on a PS3 system in their bedroom," the company said.
"Or PS Vita users can enjoy instant access to a game wherever there's Wi-Fi connectivity, such as outdoors, then can switch to a supporting Bravia TV's big screen and play the same game after arriving home."
PlayStation Now will allow users to rent certain games or acquire a subscription that allows them extra benefits and a wide access to the game portfolio. All games will have full features, including multiplayer, Trophies, and more.
PlayStation Now will launch as a beta on PS3 systems in certain regions of the United States at the end of January. A full rollout is expected by summer in the U.S., but there's no word about the service's launch in other regions.