For years, save state features have been a staple in the world of game emulation. But now, it looks like this technology might be making its way to console gaming. Sony has recently filed a patent for a future PlayStation controller that could include a dedicated Save State button. This was unearthed by Tech4Gamers while browsing through PatentScope. According to the document, users will have the option to enter a “rewind mode” during live gameplay. This mode lets them view recent gameplay by rewinding, fast-forwarding, or simply playing it, before hopping right back into the action. However, it’s important to remember that not every patent evolves into a tangible product.
For those familiar with emulators, the concept of a “rewind mode” immediately brings to mind the save and load state features widely used in those platforms. Even Nintendo Switch Online offers save states and small rewind windows these days. Unlike PCs where these features might be accessed via key bindings, or the Switch which uses custom button combinations, Sony seems to be opting for a dedicated button, possibly situated near the D-Pad. This placement would facilitate quick and easy access during gameplay.
In addition to the usual use of save states in both official and unofficial emulators, there are unique applications seen within certain games. A notable example is the 2003 release, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. Available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube, it offered a captivating time reversal mechanic. Players could rewind time to avoid unfortunate encounters with enemies or pitfalls, resembling the way save states can be manipulated to mend errors in emulated games.
Of course, while a button for save states seems like an exciting addition, it may not be compatible with all types of games. For instance, in multiplayer games, which demand synchronized gameplay states across players and servers, this feature wouldn’t be feasible. This dedicated button would find its home mainly in single-player experiences. Some gamers might even argue that it could diminish the experience, especially fans of the notoriously challenging Soulsborne games, who value consistent difficulty levels as a core part of the experience.
