I usually buy a new console when it is released, and I hate to have multiple consoles connected to my entertainment system. So having 1 console that does everything is a plus. The 1st run PS3 was perfect. It played ps1/ ps2 & ps3 games. I sometimes like to go back and play old games. S.O.T.N PS1, Onimusha PS2, Backwards compatabality is the best of all worlds.

Its not that I refuse to buy a console that doesn't have BC, its that BC makes the decision to buy a console so much more simple because I have two libraries to work with instead of one

Backwards compatibility will not boost ps4 sale at all

Pretty much this........ esp. no. 6, 7. A Wii/PS2 etc are still a little easier to find than their predecessors (depending on your region/area). Same goes for the wii and wii U. Can't find/buy a PSOne? then find a PS2. You will avoid the clutter, costs, and headaches of finding both just to play their games. Can't get a GC, then get a wii, they're as common as dirt. Sure you can't play the GB Player on (that's a differen't story) but you'll have acess to a boat load of software.

Also to thoes that suggest a PC, if only it can be that simple for a lot of people. IMO it's cheaper to go and find a console (used) that can play both its own games and its predecessor's games than to bone up the money to get a powerfull enough PC (or to unpgrade it).  

If the console doesn't have BC I won't throw a fit, I'll just keep the older console. On the other hand BC does raise the costs of manufacuring but who's idea was it to jack up the costs in terms of hardware in the first place? As a I recall it was a easy for companies like Sony to include it on the PS2 Now they jump ship and removed it with the PS3 because the system was already pricey to begin with.

Well backward compatibility is a good selling point, you have all the library of the previous console to play on launch, you don't need two consoles to play the games you want, you can keep all your old games to play them later etc. I wish the PS4 was backward compatible.

Can you be sure?  I played a lot of GC->Wii and GBA->DS.  Most of the gamers I know use (or have used) BC to a great extent. 

Frankly it just a very nice convience to have it, and really it is just a nice space saving thing.

Actually some 3rd party companies made adapters to get NES games to run on a SNES. But an offical way no.

mehsusfiuu

I wouldn't pass on a system because it lacked backward compatibility, but there's no denying it's a nice feature. I recently had to buy a new TV stand after I unboxed my PS4 because there was no more room. Would have been nice to be able to retire my PS3.

So it's not a deal breaker but it is a nice gesture to fans who've already invested lots of money in previous gen games and accessories.