It didn’t seem to dent the PlayStation 4’s chance at success but it’s looking likely that backward compatibility will be a top priority for Sony and the unannounced PS5.
Sony has just registered a new patent in Japan with systems architect Mark Cerny down as one of the creators. He was the lead architect on the PS4, introduced us to the utter magnificence of Knack, ahem, and it’s assumed he’ll also be heading up the creation of the PlayStation 5 as well.
The patent in question is called “Simulation of legacy bus operation for backward compatibility,” which sounds assuredly like some form of new back compat technology to us. We’re no experts but there are two big “backward compatibility” words that really stand out.
It’s the second of two patents filed by the Sony recently, including a method for impersonating CPUID. It looks as if Sony is trying to put together some form of software-based emulation which will allow the PlayStation 5 to play PS4 games. Potentially, this system could also incorporate PS3, PS2 and PSone.
Now, the actual patent is in Japanese, and my knowledge of the language basically extends as far as counting to 10.
The specifics aren’t important for the end user though, but it is definitely important that Sony is working on this. The very idea of not having backward compatibility feels archaic in this day and age. For PC players, it’s generally a non-issue, while Microsoft has made plenty of impressive strides with the tech on Xbox One that we assume will continue with its successor. If Sony rocks up without backward compatibility then that is an Achilles heel, particularly in this age of games as a service. No Apex Legends fans are going to want to pick up a new console if it doesn’t play their favourite game, likewise for any number of ongoing experiences.
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PC Specs
That is always good to hear. From all things MS did wrong with Xbox One, backwards compatibility was one of great things they did this generation. Hopefully Sony will actually do this and not leave it only as patent. Even if that means fatter and bit more expensive version of PS5, if it is not possible otherwise.
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Even if it is only PS4 backward, I am sold. I would buy this as soon as possible.
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If they nail this... it's going to be AWESOME! Why? NO MORE REMASTERS & ACCESS TO OLD SCHOOL GAMES & (drums on background) PS3 TROPHIES (i have a ps3 tho)!
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How to basically give the middle finger on whoever bought a ps1,2,3, and even 4. Just buy the ps5 ;)
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what you just said makes zero sense...
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I obviously would have liked a PS5 back in 94' when the PS1 released.
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Most people dont even own old consoles these days unless you are a nostalgia guy and keep it as a collection. I just sell my old one to get the new console to save money.
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Even some people who own the old consoles nowadays would rather have native support on modern consoles. Most old consoles look terrible when being played on a modern TV because of the resolution difference. I actually ripped my PS1 and PS2 collection to play on PC through emulators so I can actually play without getting eyestrain.
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Yes, and that's why retro gamers have been asking for proper backwards compatibility for three console generations now.
Did you think through what you just said at all?
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Emulating the ps2 emotion engine cpu maybe possible, but the ps3 cell cpu maybe very hard even for sony to get it emulated properly. These consoles ps1, ps2, and ps3 were built in a completely different architecture from the ones used in our computers. Like the cpu was designed to do gpu work as well and tht too in an ibm and toshiba designed chip. The ps4 and xbox one is similar to our pc architecture but slightly modified to perform better. They use AMD designed chips..(contd)
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Ps4 emulation is 100% possible. But the ps3 emulation maybe possible if Sony either designs a custom cpu with the AMD architecture or go back to another modified cell cpu which according to rumors may not be the case. Who knows though. Sony could try and pull it off if they could.
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what if ps4 has 2 cpu. 1 modern for ps5 and ps4 games and one old school cpu for ps1/2/3. i believe whatever they do it is possible
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thts wht I believe they might do. but a common cpu for ps2 and ps3 maybe hard to develop as I have heard tht sony had stopped development on those special custom cpu's after ps3 gen as it proved costly for them to make and not many game devs liked to code for the cell or a console architecture specifically unless its a pc one, all due to the complex coding requirements (not the case with sony's first party studios tho.)
Now ps2 emulation is possible and may have been even on ps4 too and someone managed to get some ps2 games running on the ps4 by hacking the firmware. all of it was on a inbuilt emulator. sadly they had to make the game a pkg file and then play, not by booting with the original disc. sadly Sony's PS Now took precedence more than physical backwards compatibility and it could have become a great feature for the ps4 if sony took some time for it. if they supported physical backwards compatibility on PS5, its a insta buy from me.
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Thanks for showing diagram, it now makes sense :D /s on the serious side that would be great news, if thats the case i might actually get console for the first time in my life.
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I would normally say that anything below PS4 compatibility is wishful thinking, but hey, I may be wrong, and considering that the PS5 is gonna be pretty powerful (hopefully), maybe they could outright emulate everything below the PS4
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This was why i moved to Pc, as a huge tomb raider fan i didnt want my games spread over all the consoles when i could have the whole franchise on Pc with better graphics/mods too, it was same for some other games too where i would be forced into getting the new console just to continue the franchise, If consoles do backwards compat then they should stick with it for all the future consoles
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Crickets
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Even if in the past Sony's heads told in the worst way possible that they didn't wanted backward compatibility i'm happy they changed their mind. Next step is: hope this isn't trough playstation now but trough physical and digital copy.
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Sounds a little too pro consumer to allow PS1 to PS4 discs to run on it. More likely it's to allow them upload old iso's to charge £10 a pop on their online store.
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Oh yeah, for sure. I can see PS4 discs working but that's it
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That's the most likely outcome. I expect PS4 disks to work but others will probably purchasable digitally only.