For years, save state functionality has been a staple of the emulation world, helping players relive moments and correct errors. Now, it seems this feature might be coming to mainstream consoles. Sony recently filed a patent for a new PlayStation controller featuring a dedicated Save State button. This information, discovered on PatentScope by Tech4Gamers, details a feature where players can pause gameplay, rewind, fast-forward, and return seamlessly to live action. But let’s remember, not all patents materialize into actual products.
Gamers familiar with emulators would recognize this “rewind mode” as akin to save and load state features they’re used to. Currently, even retro games on Nintendo Switch Online offer similar functionalities with save states and brief rewinds. However, while PC emulators use key binds and the Switch employs button combinations, Sony seems keen on integrating a straightforward button right next to the D-Pad for quick access.
This innovation isn’t limited to unofficial emulators. Save state features have appeared in gaming in various forms. Take, for instance, the 2003 classic, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. Released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube, this game introduced players to the Sands of Time mechanic, allowing them to reverse time and correct missteps, mirroring the concept of system-level save states.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all games could utilize such a button universally. Multiplayer games, which depend on syncing game states across players and servers, wouldn’t be compatible with this feature. This button would find its place primarily in single-player games, though some purists, like Soulsborne fans, might argue it disrupts the intended difficulty balance.
For Sony, integrating a Save State button could revolutionize how we interact with games. Yet, we’ll have to wait and see if this patent becomes a part of gaming’s future fabric.
