But it IS backwards compatible in the way you are describing. You can play a dx9 game on windows 11. So it is backwards compatible. What you cannot do (usually) is force a game built with dx9 features to use dx11/12 features. If the game wasn’t built with new API features (because it released before those features even existed) then you cannot expect it to be able to just “be dx12” all of a sudden.
If you can force Vulkan, you cna use DXVK to get it to support DX12 features. Might be a pain in the ass to get it to work though. Not even sure if GTA4 will run on Vulks .
I’ll try to respond below. Lemme know what you think:
Consoles:
Need to upgrade every 5-7 years if you want to play new games on next gen consoles. Can play your old games indefinitely.
PC:
Need to upgrade every 5-7 years if you want to play new games that are more demanding and require next gen parts. Can play your old games indefinitely.
In terms of playing new games on an old PC, try playing cyberpunk on a PC from 2013 (7 years prior to CP77 release in 2020). You’ll get like 2 fps. Not even playable.
So to conclude, sure, you can try to play new games on your old ass PC, but it’ll run like crap and won’t be a good experience.
Edit: just to clarify, my opinion is from the perspective of someone who wants to play new demanding games. If you play super easy to run new indie games, then yea I agree with your point. Added benefit of PC is the ability do that indefinitely.
True, but that’s just more of an added benefit of PC. I have to assume the vast majority of people who build PCs for games have the desire to play new games that come out. There may be a few people who build PCs with only the desire to play old games. But i don’t think that is the majority.
Plus if someone doesn’t want new games then they wouldn’t need or care to upgrade their console from one gen to a next. So i don’t think that’s relevant in this discussion.
That’s not really a good comparison. After 5-10 years you’re going to need a PC upgrade as well if you want to keep up with current game tech and run games at high settings. That can easily cost $700. Remember, consoles are usually mid-range computers.
Sure. It’s probably like 20% cheaper with much less functionality, like none to little customization/modding, and gives an inferior HDR presentation. But it’s cheaper yes. so your point is proven, but it’s badly wounded.
Eh I’m not sure I really do agree on the cost. Because like you need to add another $400 onto the ps5 cost for 5 years worth of online fees to pay miltiplayer (assuming they don’t raise prices in 5 years, which they most definitely will) so now you’re up about $1K USD or more. I just used 5 years of fees since i figured new consoles come out every 5ish years. Could even be longer. No one seems to factor this in when describing console prices. Rember, there are NO online fees with PC (unless it’s a MMO with a subsciption fee or something but 99% games do not charge for online play.)
Also again, remember that a ps5 is a low-mid range PC. I think you can build a low-mid range PC for $1k or a bit higher, (crazy how expensive it is these days. $1k used to be a high end PC lol.)
Lastly, you’ll need to buy another controller for ps5 probably. So that’s another $50 or $60 or whatever the hell they cost these days. Maybe even a headset/microphone - not sure if those come with the ps5.
A comparable PC is probably still more expensive, but not really by that much…