For years, save state functionality has been a staple in the world of emulation, and now it seems this useful feature might be making its way to gaming consoles. Sony has recently filed a patent that suggests future versions of the PlayStation controller could include a special Save State button. This information was uncovered in a legal document confirmed by PatentScope, as reported by Tech4Gamers. The document reveals, “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.” However, it’s important to remember that not every patent turns into a real-world product.
For those familiar with various emulators, this concept of a “rewind mode” immediately brings to mind the save and load state features commonly used in these applications. Even today, Nintendo Switch Online provides both save states and brief rewind options for its retro games. Instead of relying on key bindings as seen with PC emulators, or using custom button combinations like on the Switch, Sony appears keen on introducing a dedicated button for this functionality—probably close to the D-Pad.
Sony’s latest patent graphic, titled “Gameplay Rewind With User Triggered Bookmarks,” showcases a button designed to access a control overlay, save states, and more. This development could potentially transform how gamers interact with their games.
Beyond traditional and unofficial emulators, save states have ventured into other gaming experiences. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, the 2003 action-adventure classic for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube, is a perfect example. This game introduced a compelling time-reversal mechanic, allowing players to undo unfortunate events, reminiscent of how save state features let players rewind in emulators.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that implementing a button like this at the system level won’t work universally across all games. Multiplayer games, where synchronizing states between players and servers is crucial, won’t accommodate such functionality. This button would mainly benefit single-player titles, though some traditionalists, particularly fans of challenging genres like Soulsborne, might argue it dilutes the intended gaming experience.
