Sony was recently granted a patent detailing backward compatibility less than a month ago, likely in preparation for the PlayStation 5 (PS5)’s rumoured launch in 2020. Now, it looks like the company has been granted another patent of that nature.
While the previous patent describes the ability of the new console’s CPU to mimic the legacy CPUs, this new one has its main focus on bus interference and differences in operation. In other words, the way legacy internal components communicate with each other.
Those who have tried using their DualShock 3 (DS3) and DualShock 4 (DS4) controllers on PC would know that they both need to be configured quite differently. This new patent essentially makes it so that, when running PS4 games (as an example), the PS5 is able to make the game think that it’s being played with a DS4 when the player is actually using a DS5.
With these two patents, you’d think that backward compatibility for Sony’s next-generation console is an inevitability. Having said that, it’s important to remember that patents don’t necessarily translate to consumer products. Besides, if the company is really going to announce the PS5 next year as rumoured, then it’s a matter of time before we know for sure.
(Source: Japan Platform for Patent Information via GearNuke)
