After much trial and error this past year trying to make PlayStation 4 consoles function with backward compatibility, Sony’s new patent is hinting at their success for PlayStation 5 consoles. Although there are no concrete facts about it yet, this patent could potentially make PlayStation lovers very happy since it would allow them to use any games previously only compatible with their respective PlayStation consoles on the brand new one.
PlayStation 4’s main creator, Mark Cerny, is the man in charge of this new patent. If it works as intended, PlayStation 5 would allow access to software from PlayStation 4, 3, 2, and even PSone. Cerny’s goal requires the use of something called processor Id spoofing. It works by making the legacy software think that it is running on its original consoles and devices while it is in reality running on the PlayStation 5.
The real test of this idea will come with PlayStation 3 software, which is known for being particularly difficult to work with. PS3 software is the suspected reason that previous backward compatibility efforts have been unsuccessful. If the PS5 can manage software from this legacy console, then it is likely to be able to manage all others without too much trouble.
Of course, it is too early for PlayStation fans to rejoice. It is important to note that just because a company has filed a patent, it does not guarantee they will actually use it. If it is, however, this could open up a new world for PlayStation and it could bring in lots of new customers who may be reluctant to purchase something that may be obsolete in a year or two.
As of now, PlayStation 5 is expected to cost around $500, which may seem like a steep price, but if it manages to work with legacy software, it is well worth that money and more.
Dil Bole Oberoi
