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Sony has filed a patent for a method of backwards compatibility. Supposedly, the newly devised system -- as authored by Mark Cerny, the guy who designed the PlayStation 4 -- will allow the PS5 to run all previous PlayStation software. And yes, in theory, that covers PSone, PS2, PS3, and PS4 games.

Too good to be true? Well, possibly, but that's why it's a patent. As we all know by this point, companies like Sony register patents all the time, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they'll ever be applied in reality. Still, this one's a very interesting find, especially since the PS5 is just around the corner.

A proposed flowchart for the system

The technical side of this supposed backwards compatibility system sounds pretty crazy. Essentially, it allows the machine -- the PS5, in this case -- to mimic the behaviour of previous consoles using multiple processors. In other words, when an old game is booted up, the PS5 "tricks" the software into thinking that it's running on its original device. Again, it sounds rather ambitious.

We've been saying for a while now that we think the PS5 has to be backwards compatible -- at least with PS4 games -- and honestly, we reckon that it's on the cards. It makes sense for your library of titles to carry forward from here on in, especially with the likes of Sony pushing for a digital future. You're already a part of that ecosystem if you own a PS4, after all.

As always, though, this is another case of waiting to see what happens. Keep your eyes peeled for most stories like this one throughout 2019, as it's about to get wild.

[source j-platpat.inpit.go.jp, via blog.hokanko-alt.com, resetera.com]