Against all odds, Sony is looking for a way to emulate the retro accessories of its PS3 and PSP on its latest consoles. This is in any case what seems to indicate a recent patent which describes a system making it compatible with the PS Eye, the PS Move or the Dualshock 3. However, it is better not to declare victory too quickly.
If the video game industry does not seem particularly inclined to preserve its history, Sony is one of the most virulent manufacturers on this subject. Indeed, it is common knowledge that the latter does not want to keep its old consoles alive, as evidenced by the slow killing of the PS3 and PS Vita. It is therefore with some surprise that we discovered the latest patent filed by the Japanese firm.
Titled “Systems and Methods for Converting Old Code to Updated Code,” the document appears to indicate that Sony is looking for a way to make accessories from older PlayStations compatible with its newer models, or, in theory, the PS5. A diagram in particular puts us the flea in the ear. Above, we observe several retro accessories around a system which, we imagine, would allow their use on the latest console from Sony.
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PS3 accessories compatible with the PS5, really?
Among this multitude of accessories, we find in particular the Dualshock 3legendary controller of the PS3, as well as various equipment such as the PS Eye, PS Move, PS Mouse and even PSP Go. At first glance, this all seems rather pleasing. As rumors of PS3 and PS5 backwards compatibility grow, Sony could add the icing on the cake by allowing gamers to use their period accessories.
That being said, it is better not to put the cart before the horse. To start, the patent does not mention the PS5 at any time. On the contrary, everything rather suggests a system addressing itself to PlayStation Plus subscribers, which indeed gives access to a whole catalog of retro games – in particular PS3 – in its Premium formula. In addition, the patent also contains a diagram representing the manufacturer’s cloud gaming system.
It is therefore difficult to say what Sony’s real plans are in this area, or even if this patent will indeed lead to something. Knowing the relative disinterest of the manufacturer for the preservation of retro games, we would rather tend to call for caution. But who knows, the repeated calls from the players could finally pay off.