PS5 Backwards Compatibility hinted at by new patent

3.9
A new patent reportedly filed by Sony Japan has hinted that PS5 backwards compatibility is in the works for the next-generation console. While the patent doesn’t confirm that the technology is ready to deploy, at the very least this shows that Sony is researching the potential for this capability in their next console. The patent includes details a system designed by Mark Cerny, who also led the design of the PS4, focusing on the creation of a console that could “spoof” legacy systems to run games from older PlayStation consoles.

With a potential 2020 release for the PS5, the patent is laid out in a manner to suggest that this technology is still in development, but could still be ready for a full launch next year. In fact, Digital Foundry’s John Linneman recently responded to a question over PS5 compatibility on Twitter, stating that the PS5 “will absolutely have [backwards compatibility]. Zero question.” Likewise, the Hellpoint developer Marc-André Jutras last year was equally confident that Sony, in particular, would be likely to invest in backwards compatibility following the Xbox’s dominance in this field.

The question remains whether the PS5’s architecture facilitates backwards compatibility, given that Sony failed to implement this technology with the PS4. However, the patent outlines multiple routes through which the PS5 could “spoof” and replicate the original systems of older PlayStation consoles, which is evident from the patent listing. Yet, there is further hope for PS5 backwards compatibility, as the new console was reported to be built with the same x86 architecture as the PS4, using AMD’s Zen CPU to share certain elements across the generation of consoles.

Of course, every leak of new PS5 details must be taken with a grain of salt. Only last week, a fake invitation to a Sony conference announcing the PS5 was sent out to outlets, further fuelling speculation that a new generation of consoles would be on the way.

Posted:
Related Forum: PlayStation Forum

Source: https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/490687-ps5-backwards-compatibility-patent

Comments

"PS5 Backwards Compatibility hinted at by new patent" :: Login/Create an Account :: 9 comments

If you would like to post a comment please signin to your account or register for an account.

JasonPosted:

Everybody wants backwards compatibility, we all like playing the classic games.

RyanPosted:

when the new gen consoles are released backwards compatibility should be available right away

XboxPosted:

I would love to see it on the new gen console, even though I am majority a Xbox guy now and have been for most of my gaming career there is so many old PS1 PS2 and PS3 games I would love to play again.

Mario350Posted:

Maze When the current gen didn't have it, it really hurt them. Hopefully Sony and Microsoft both do it right this time from the start.


but current gen did have it its just called playstation now and it sucks

MazePosted:

When the current gen didn't have it, it really hurt them. Hopefully Sony and Microsoft both do it right this time from the start.

RedactedPosted:

Should just be compatible anyway. 2019 and a Ps4 cant have other discs in unless you buy the shitty psnow. Which sucks because you have to stream the game

saugPosted:

It'll be good if Sony can implement this.

Two_FacedPosted:

Not sure why this isn't a given? 99% of games should be backward compatible and very cheap if you buy a new gen console

TTGPosted:

This is something that Xbox has had an edge on Playstation over, hopefully we see it.