PS5: retrocompatibility with older consoles may be coming soon

According to a new patent discovered by Shaun Mcilroy (via MySmartPrice), a new PlayStation patent suggests the PS5 could be getting backward compatibility for older consoles. The patent was filed by Mark Cerny, and to those unaware, he is the Lead System Architect for both the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5. The patent apparently details solving backward compatibility for the new console through “Use of Spoof Clock and Fine Grain Frequency Control”. Essentially, the patent suggests that the PlayStation could be looking to expand the new console’s backward compatibility capabilities to older consoles beyond the PlayStation 4. That could mean backward compatibility with PS3, PS2, and even PS1.

The lack of backward compatibility that reaches older generations always has been a target of criticism on the PlayStation series. Microsoft’s Xbox has been bringing it for generations, and the recently released Xbox Series X is retro compatible with the original Xbox games. The PlayStation 4 lacked any sort of retro compatibility and this was, perhaps, the biggest issue in the console. The PS5 was developed with certain pressure from customers after all it would need to bring compatibility with PS4 games. Maybe, it could become much better than it is.

The new patent simply suggests that PlayStation is, at least, looking for ways to bring the system’s backward compatibility system. The big challenge always have been the PlayStation 3 which uses a more complicated architecture. For now, the company offers a way to play some games from the PS3 generation. However, it requires cloud gaming services like PlayStation Now. Worth noting that the PS3 games run through streaming. Also, the service is not available in all regions of the world. It leaves a large scale of users without any way to play older consoles.

PlayStation Spartacus may add backward compatibility to the PS5

The answer for these rumors and leaks may be coming soon through a new service codenamed PlayStation Spartacus. So far, there isn’t any confirmation from Sony about a new service. However, rumors and claims from reliable tipsters like Jason Schreier (Bloomberg) suggest that the company is working on a new subscription service that will be a new tier for PS Plus and will replace PS Now. This service will be more close to what Xbox currently has with its Gamepass. Furthermore, it could also be an alternative way for players to enjoy old titles.

Rumors about the PlayStation Spartacus launch have been intensifying recently. There are many reports saying that PlayStation is requiring stores in the UK to stop selling the PS Now cards. There are reports about a new State of Play happening on February. If there’s any kind of service coming, then the announcement could come during Sony’s upcoming event.

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