In the new PS4 update, it has been discovered that an issue found earlier this year has been patched. The issue had the potential to make your PS4 unplayable. Here is how to ensure your console will be playable for decades to come.
Previously, the PS4 had a fatal flaw involving the internal CMOS battery. If it was to die and the console didn't have access to the internet, it would become unable to boot any games or media.
This is because the CMOS battery is needed to sync the time which trophies were earned. This made many fans and game preservationists nervous due to the potential of turning 100 million PS4’s out there into electronic waste and, in turn, would no longer be able to function as gaming machines.
The PS3, PSP and PS Vita stores were all due to be closed down earlier in the year but Sony did a U-turn and only the PSP store was shut down. However, it is foreseeable that in many years to come Sony will drop support for their older hardware, too.
The good news is that Sony has listened and in patch 9.00 the issue has been resolved so now games and media can boot without an internet connection.
This was verified by Modern Vintage Gamer. In his YouTube video, he tested God of War without an internet connection and with a CMOS battery on the previous 8.52 firmware. He then removed the battery, and the game was unable to boot due to issue CE-30391-6. This is due to the lack of CMOS battery or internet connection.
He then updated his PS4 to version 9.00 and then disconnected his PS4 from the internet and was able to finally boot up God of War. As the CMOS battery is used to sync the time which trophies were earned, this is now left blank.
How can I assure that my console will be playable after Sony stops supporting the PS4's network capabilities?
To preserve your PS4 and make sure your game library is still playable, simply upgrade your PS4 firmware up to the recent 9.00 update. This will ensure your games are playable without an internet connection even if the CMOS battery has died.
Game preservation remains to be a big issue and many gamers feel sceptical if their modern machines will be playable in decades to come, particularly in the era of online gaming.
Even so, it is excellent news that Sony has listened to fan concerns and issued this patch. This ensures the PS4 will continue to be playable even when they stop support for PS4’s online support.