PS5 Architect Mark Cerny Files New Patent for Backwards Compatibility

Backwards compatibility is something that Xbox has nailed pretty well over PlayStation for the past several years but the latter may not be lagging behind for long. Shaun McIlroy on Twitter discovered a patent filed via the USPTO by PS5 architect Mark Cerny that could indicate backwards compatibility for older PlayStation hardware.

The patent specifically describes, “Backward compatibility through use of spoof clock and fine grain frequency control.” Given that the PS5 already has backwards compatibility for a number of PS4 titles, it could instead point to support for titles from PS One, PS2 and PS3 eras. Which is pretty great if true considering the number of classics – like God of War Collection, The Sly Collection, Resistance, Killzone and so on – that aren’t playable on newer PlayStation consoles.

Of course, time will tell how long it takes for this to be implemented in current hardware. Sony is reportedly planning some kind of competitor for Game Pass, codenamed “Spartacus”, which will seemingly combine PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now while leveraging backwards compatibility. It’s apparently coming in Spring 2022 for PS4 and PS5 so perhaps this patent may tie into that. We’ll find out in the coming months so stay tuned.

https://twitter.com/shaunmcilroy/status/1481360035506761729

https://twitter.com/shaunmcilroy/status/1481360759556919300