For ages, save state functionality has been a staple in the emulation community, but it looks like this feature might soon be hitting mainstream consoles. Sony recently filed a patent hinting at a new version of the PlayStation controller which boasts a dedicated Save State button. This intriguing tidbit came to light through a legal document dug up by Tech4Gamers on PatentScope. According to the document, players will have the ability to “rewind, fast-forward, or play through recent gameplay,” seamlessly returning to their action-packed game once they’re done. However, as with all patents, there’s no guarantee this concept will come to life.
Those familiar with various emulators will likely recognize this “rewind mode.” It’s reminiscent of the save and load features that are commonplace in these programs. Nowadays, even Nintendo Switch Online’s classic titles employ save states and rewind options. Unlike the PC emulators that require a key bind or the Switch that demands a custom button sequence, Sony seems keen on integrating a dedicated button for this feature, likely just a finger’s reach away from the D-Pad.
Outside the realm of official and unofficial emulators, save states occasionally surface in gaming with novel twists. A standout example is Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. This action-adventure classic, introduced on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube in 2003, showcased a unique sands of time mechanic. It granted players the ability to reverse time—a godsend for undoing untimely deaths against the game’s myriad foes and hazards, echoing the save state function’s capacity to roll back mistakes in emulators.
However, it’s important to underline that such a feature, even if implemented at the system level, won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution. Multiplayer games that require synchronized states between players or servers won’t be compatible with this button. Its potential shine is reserved for single-player experiences, though not everyone is on board. Some fans, especially those immersed in the world of Soulsborne games, might argue that introducing a rewind feature could tarnish the challenge that defines their beloved titles.
