Sony Files Another Patent For Backward Compatibility

Hot on the heels of the patent they filed last month suggesting at backward compatibility, Sony have filed another patent, published yesterday, that indicates they are exploring the feature for PS5. The patent, which is credited to Sony’s Mark Cerny, like the previous one, describes the “simulation of legacy bus operation for backward compatibility”.

Essentially, this is talking about a new system emulating the “bus” or channel for data transfer, of an older system. Basically, it lets them simulate how data is transferred from one part of an older system to another, which is important to have full emulation of an older system. The methodology Sony is patenting also allows for “enhanced simulation”, which theoretically could lead to older games running better on new hardware with no effort needed by the developers.

In conjunction with the other rumor, it makes it clear Sony is looking at backward compatibility for PS5—which is smart of them, since it will allow them to retain their dominance, potentially.