Save state functionality has long been a staple in the world of emulators, but it looks like this handy feature might soon jump to consoles. Sony has recently filed a patent detailing a potential future PlayStation controller that includes a dedicated Save State button. This insight was discovered through legal documents spotted on PatentScope by Tech4Gamers. According to the patent, players will be able to “enter the rewind mode from live gameplay using one or more controller inputs to review recent actions, whether by rewinding, fast-forwarding, or falling back into live gameplay.” It’s important to remember, though, that not every patent makes it to the production line.
For those familiar with emulators, this “rewind mode” will sound familiar, evoking the save and load state features commonly found in those programs. Even Nintendo Switch Online has incorporated similar save state and brief rewind options for their retro games. While emulators and the Switch typically designate these functions to a key bind or custom button combination, Sony seems to be taking a different approach by introducing a dedicated button. This button will likely sit near the D-Pad for easy access.
Now, it’s worth discussing how save states are already being creatively utilized beyond the realm of emulators. A prime example is the classic game Prince of Persia: Sands of Time from 2003. Released on platforms like the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube, this game allowed players to reverse time to avoid disastrous deaths, a mechanic reminiscent of the rewind features found in system-level emulators.
However, it’s essential to understand that this type of button wouldn’t be compatible with all games—especially multiplayer games that require state synchronization among players or servers. This button would predominantly be usable in single-player games, though there is a potential for controversy. Fans of games like those in the Soulsborne series, known for their unforgiving difficulty, may argue that such a feature could diminish the intended experience.
