Sony is reportedly working on the PS4 and PS5 CMOS issue

It was discovered late last month that if the internal clock battery runs out on a PlayStation 4 console, players will not be able to play games unless they can connect to the PlayStation Network. For many who were concerned, their console could become nothing more than an expensive door stopper if the live service is permanently disabled for the console in the future, @ DoesItPlay1 has heard on Twitter that Sony is investigating the issue.

The purpose of the clock is to verify that games can be played on that console by confirming the saved date and time with the PlayStation Network. The clock is powered by a simple CR2032 battery known as a CMOS and is used to keep track of the time if the console is ever disconnected from a power source. If the battery runs out, players will have to enter the date and time each time the console boots up, and this will then be synced with the PlayStation Network. The problems start when those servers are down.

The reason for the date and time is believed to be to prevent players from hacking the PlayStation trophy system. As such, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 consoles all have a CMOS battery. Removing the PS3 servers will prevent all digital games from playing, while if the PS4 servers are closed, the console’s trophy system will prevent all digital and disc games from playing on a console with an empty CMOS battery. The shutdown of PS5 servers will also prevent PS5 digital games from being played on an affected console, which is something digital PS5 owners may want to consider. While PS4 and PS5 discs can be played on a faulty PS5 console, some games suffer from a host of other issues with installation, server dependency, and error messages.

Many players are concerned about retaining game libraries on older consoles, especially with the initial threat of PS3 and Vita stores closing before Sony announced they would remain open. @ DoesItPlay1, the folks who originally discovered the clock battery problem have “heard from internal sources“That Sony”want to recover.Some users who have inquired about the issue have also reportedly received emails stating that Sony is investigating the issue. Hopefully they will find a solution soon.

[Source: Twitter]

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