Sony patent hints at PlayStation 5 cloud-based emulation of previous consoles

[Suminya]

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A patent filed by Sony Interactive Entertainment earlier this year suggests that all previous PlayStation games might become available via a new, unnamed service on PlayStation 5.

 

The Japan Platform for Patent Information published the patent late last week, on July 2. It’s a 63-page document filed by SIE through its global headquarters in San Mateo, California, but entirely in Japanese language. Broadly, the patent has shades of PlayStation Now, but some of the specifics are a little more interesting.

 

Of particular note is the image you’ll see at the top of the page. This is Figure 2B of the filing, and even if you can’t read much Japanese you can quite clearly see the image contains approximations of launch model PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 consoles. The labels read “first generation console”, “second generation console”, and “third generation console”, with the section on the right labeled as “library”.

 

You can find a description of this figure earlier in the patent, and that contains the following text:

As can be seen, a large number of game titles across various generations of gaming consoles have been accumulated and made available via the cloud gaming library. As previously mentioned, each of these games can be run on a virtual machine that mimics the operating system associated with the given gaming console in which the game was developed. In this way, users accessing this cloud-based gaming system can easily access and play the game from many different consoles, as well as games from other contacts such as internet games and their cloud. You can also access and play games specifically developed for the base gaming system.

The suggestion here is relatively clear. Using a single device you’ll be able to access a full library of PS1, PS2, and PS3 games, which you can play via a cloud-based virtual machine on your local console — in addition to games developed for that machine.

 

It’s worth noting that the patent makes no specific reference to either the PS4 or PS5. That would make sense if this patent related to function destined for PlayStation 5 as we already know that the console will have hardware-based PS4 support — there’d be no need for a PS4 virtual machine.

 

There’s further capabilities noted within the filing. In addition to being able to play demos of these titles, or purchase short, taster versions with instant access, players would also be able to create their own mini-games. The filing suggests players could capture sequences of game play and upload them to the cloud for others to play, or rate and comment on.

 

That’s a further hint at the patent referring to PlayStation 5. The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller has a new “Create” button in place of the old “Share” button, and this is likely a part of its new functionality.

 

One thing not covered in the patent that we can see is physical media. Whether players can insert a PS1, PS2, or PS3 game disc into their PS5 and use this system to play the games is unclear, but it doesn’t seem likely at this point. Of course it is only a patent too, so the whole concept may not come to pass, but we can hope.

 

If you want to read the patent yourself, it’s available on the Japan Platform for Patent Information site.

 

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[TJ_Solo]

So PSnow? I don't get why PS5 would need its own version of PSNow just for PS1-3 games. 

[Blood-Stalker1]

Yea that is a big pass for me especially if need to pay for this 

 

because this just sounds like PlayStation NOW 

[DaivRules]

I'm wondering is this isn't just a PS Now enhancement patent. Doesn't seem like much of anything at all from this write up.

[Katt]

There are 3 main reasons I don't trust PS Now: not available everywhere. Went for the trial, just tried downloaded games. If the games cannot be downloaded, why bother? another reason is: no PSP and no PS Vita. Certain PS Vita games can be played even without touch based features and can be easily emulated just like the PS TV. But again, if you can't download them, why bother? And the last reason: you will likely need to pay for this. If you own the games, even digitally in past consoles, Sony will give you a big middle finger.

[Jelly Soup]

1 hour ago, DaivRules said:

I'm wondering is this isn't just a PS Now enhancement patent.

 

Not even an enhancement. A member of the Gaikai confirmed a few days ago that it's the same emulation developed in 2012 for PS2 rereleases that was later integrated into PSNow. This is just updating the patent for the PS5.

[NxtDoc]

Download or Native only.  Thanks anyway 

[Lonemankane]

Basically ps now what is the point? I mean your going far enough to add in ps4 games to be playable on ps5 but ps3 and 2 and 1 is either too hard for them or is not worth it to them? a f ing ps3 the fatboy had the power to play ps1 2 and 3 on it the first gen of ps3 did this then completely removed it for the slim but kept the ps1 backwards compact with it, why not put the damn money into the power to do backwards compact with all gens what is so hard? I mean a modder has made a emulator of the ps3 to play on pc and for ps2 and 1 and so on what is so hard oh right too much for their greedy ass to do unless Microsoft kicks their dick in like they did back on ps3 so they can be kind to their customers more then before. 

Edited July 11, 2020 by KANERKB

[PraiseTheFluppi]

I kinda expected something like this. They need to make money in some kind of way if they really make it possible to play every ps1, 2 and 3 games on PS5. To just expect a fully backwards compatible PS5 through hardware is naive. They don't sell these games anymore, atleast physically, so they need to make money in a different way. They decided a PSNow kind of thing is their way of providing these old games for us.

A backwards compatability through disk doesn't get them money and isn't worth it in any form for them.
A backwards compatability though providing a digital game or a monthly service does get them money an is worth it for them.

Simple.

But lets see if it really works out that way and what comes of it in the end.

Edited July 11, 2020 by neko-chan251191

[punkshepherd]

I mean ps now sucks for those of us who have crappy internet connections. And for the record there is still a damn lot of us. 

 

I have a feeling they wont but download as an option (for every game) would be a GREAT option. I mean its just opening up the service to a greater userbase. 

 

Also i hope they dont overprice the backwards compatability. If they say like £/$ 10 for each generation id be a bit frustrated.

 

Give me one fair price or some sort of deal mixed with psplus. 

 

Of course this is the video game industry and greedy business exists so go figure.