Sony has just filed a new patent on 30 June that outlines ways to emulate PS3 accessories on modern PlayStation consoles. The patent titled ” Systems and Methods For Converting A Legacy Code Into An Updated Code” details Sony’s intentions to make older PlayStation accessories compatible with new hardware.
The patent covers quite a large range of accessories and even other hardware including the PSP Go handheld gaming device. It also includes the PlayStation Move controllers, PlayStation Eye and something called the Legacy Card Reader which by the sound of things might be a memory card accessory Sony will release that allows users to plug in older memory card accessories.
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The patent doesn’t exactly confirm the existence of PS3-emulated hardware on the PS4 and PS5 but by the look of things, Sony has secured a way to make accessories work on the PS4 and PS5. You also need to keep in mind that while this is good news for the PS3 era, it doesn’t help that most of the PS3 accessories aren’t available for purchase any more. You can only easily get hold of the PlayStation Move Controllers due to the fact that they are used for the older PS VR system.
The patent suggests that the PS5 won’t nessecarily require compatibility with the hardware and accessories. Instead, the console will emulate support and functionality. What Sony plans on doing with this older hardware isn’t clear yet. However, reports claim that Sony is currently investigating ways of making PS3 games compatible with the PS5 console through emulation. This is to combat the current cloud streaming restrictions on the new PlayStation Plus service.
If Sony was to successfully emulate PS3 games locally on the PS5, the company might extend the experience to accessories. Don’t expect this to happen any time soon.
Source: Game Rant
