We hope you’ve kept your old PS3 controllers and peripherals, because it’s possible that the PlayStation 5 may support them in the future.
A recently published PS5 patent shows that Sony may be planning to make older PS3 peripherals compatible with its latest flagship console. The new PS Plus includes a range of games from older generations, from the original PlayStation to the PS4. Sony wasn’t too concerned about backwards compatibility from the past generation. But the success of Xbox Games Pass has given it a renewed focus on supporting older titles. And now it looks like it’s doubling down on support for older hardware.
The patent, which can be read here (opens in new tab), is titled “Systems and Methods for Converting Legacy Code to Updated Code”. It largely focuses on methods to facilitate emulation on the PS5. The most attractive diagram in this regard is ‘Fig 14’. This diagram shows controllers and peripherals such as the DualShock 3, the EyeToy camera, and the PSP Go. The intention seems to be to create a method by which these peripherals can connect to the PS5, wirelessly or otherwise.
Good news for PS3 fans?
PS3 emulation on PS Plus isn’t exactly perfect. Until now, PS3 games available on the service have simply migrated from the (now non-existent) PS Now. Also (due to the difficulty of emulating PS3 games), you can only stream these games over an internet connection. There is no option to download PS3 games, as there is for all other generations featured on the service.
However, what this patent might suggest is an effort on Sony’s part to make PS3 emulation more robust, albeit in a rather unexpected way. Supporting such a wide variety of peripherals on the PS5 will open the floodgates of the types of games Sony can add to the PS Plus.
The EyeToy, for example, had a litany of games dedicated to its use. Then there’s the DualShock 3, which was the first controller to support Sony’s Sixaxis gyro scope. The PS5’s DualSense controller now supports gyro crosshairs, but the official DualShock 3 support might be suitable for those looking for a more authentic experience. That and allow more PS3 games with Sixaxis control options to be released on the service.
It remains to be seen whether Sony will act on this patent in a tangible way. As always, patents are not a guarantee that the features presented will be developed.
However, we’re happy to see that Sony is at least thinking of solutions to prevent its older technology from becoming obsolete. And it’s doing it in a way that would add value to its PS Plus subscription service. So if you have some older PS3 peripherals lying around and gathering dust, don’t be so quick to throw them away. Sony may have plans for these gadgets yet.