Ever wanted to play PS1 games on your PlayStation 5? The time may be approaching when using your current-gen game console for retro gaming action is a reality.
A November 2020 patent application spotted by a Redditor suggests that Sony is developing ways to make old games available on current systems. This may not be limited to the PS5, either. Could you be streaming games from PSNow to your PC in the near future?
The Sony patent outlines a process in which awards (or achievements) might be distributed to a player via emulation. The keyword there is emulation, of course, a method that Sony doesn’t use on the PlayStation 5 or 4. The patent description reads:
“A trophy trigger is detected during emulation of the game by comparing a memory value of the emulated game to a predetermined value and assigning the one or more trophies to the user based on the detected trophy trigger.”
It might be more than just the PlayStation classic and PSX games that are covered by this. PlayStation 2, 3, and maybe even PSP and PS Vita games could be revived by this patent.
One Redditor responds:
Sadly, patents are lodged for all sorts of technologies and development projects. It’s rare that they emerge from the wilderness. Whatever the truth of this and how it turns out, this is a tantalising glimpse of a future where the Big Three take retro gaming seriously.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
