PlayStation: Sony’s Backward Compatibility Patent Filed In 2017 Got Published Today

By Zuhaad Ali
Sony

Recently, we just got a look at a new patent that was filed by Sony Interactive Entertainment back in 2017. It was published earlier this month. The patent itself discusses how down-clocking the CPU should allow operating systems and hardware to be backward compatible. We many eyes are at PlayStation 5 and its backward compatibility; we are pretty much sure this is for PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 4 Pro performance boosts. Here’s the introductory text from the patent, for the complete read, make sure you visit here.

Sony Patent Reveal PlayStation Backward Compatibility

“An application runs at a first operating frequency if the application is designed for a current version of a system and runs at a second operating frequency if the application is designed for a prior version of the system that operates at a lower frequency than the first operating frequency. The second operating frequency may be higher than the operating frequency of the prior version of the system to account for differences in latency, throughput or other processing characteristics between the two systems. Software readable cycle counters are based on a spoof clock running at the operating frequency of the prior version of the system, rather than the true operating frequency. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.”

At this point, we are certain that PlayStation 5 will be backward compatible. With a recent update on Sony’s website pointing to a PlayStation event that is rumored to be on February 5, 2020, or February 12, 2020, fans are really excited to see the future of PlayStation and next-gen consoles from both parties (Microsoft and Sony).

PlayStation 4 was officially released on November 15, 2013, in the United States and Canada. PlayStation 5 release date is expected in the holidays 2020.