Sony patents rewind system to create save states and return to them at will

Save state capability has been standard in the emulation scene for many years, but it might soon extend to consoles. Sony has filed a new patent describing a future version of the PlayStation controller with a dedicated Save State button.

A copy of the paper found on PatentScope by Tech4Gamers states: “The user is able to enter the rewind mode from the live game play using one or more controller inputs to view recent game play (e.g. rewinding, fast-forwarding, playing, etc.) and returning to live game play afterwards”. Note that not all patents result in actual goods, but if this one does, there's potential for this to become a new standard.

For users of many emulators, this description of a “rewind mode” recalls the save and load state capabilities shared by those apps. Even Nintendo Switch Online's classic games now feature save states and short rewind periods. Instead of assigning this feature to a keybind (PC emulators) or a unique button combination (Switch), Sony intends to incorporate a separate button.

Of course, it is important to note that such a button, even if implemented at the system level, would not function with all games. Multiplayer games that depend on synchronising game states across players, servers, or both will likely not support this feature.

KitGuru says: Would you like to see a system-level rewind system on the next PlayStation console?

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