570°

User ‘proves’ once PS4’s internal CMOS battery dies, even physical games won’t play offline

A PlayStation 4 owner has demonstrated how the failure or removal of the system’s internal CMOS battery can result in users being unable to play games offline without reconnecting to PSN, even after the battery has been replaced.

Read Full Story >>
videogameschronicle.com
travestyj1127d ago

I mean all you have to do if the battery dies is replace it is pretty simple

Angyobangyo1127d ago

Not so simple. In the future when Sony eventually shuts down PS4 servers, even replacing the CMOS won't fix it. It has to do with game trophies syncing to PSN servers and the internal clock related to the CMOS.

Asuka1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

Not the point. Still requires a handshake with a server to sync your system clock to your trophy data. What needs to happen is a conditional needs to be in place to check if communication to the server is accessable, and if not then bypass the trophy data check to proceed to launching your games/software. The fact that this isn't even a thing baffles my mind. It's really poor design/oversight and paints a narrative of how Sony plans to handle legacy titles 10-15years down the road. Why even bother buying third party games on PlayStation if you can't even play them in the future regardless if you buy digital or physical?

travestyj1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

Sony is not going to shut down PSN as long as they remain in business. All current and future consoles will use PSN. And all the CMOS needs to do is confirm the time...

The chances of PSN going away is slim none

Asuka1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

Hard disagree. I do not believe in a future where PSN will perpetually support all legacy platforms like you claim. All services get retired eventually as legacy support just becomes way too costly to maintain. It simply cannot there's just not enough money, time, or infrastructure to support such a feat. I guarantee you 40 years from now you will not be able to play your PS4 games digital, physical, third party or otherwise. But I bet you if I can go find myself a working snes and some carts they would work just fine in 40 years time.

travestyj1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

There is nothing to support. The old consoles will be able to connect to it, that is it. Nothing special has to be done for this to happen. It already happens. No extra work is required.

People really are trying to fear monger while not having a clue.

Asuka1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

Again hard disagree. The issue is not with the hardware console itself but the services and the servers needed. They eat up an immense amount of money and time and require constant maintenance. When you say there's no extra work needed that is factually false. There is no inbetween or gray area.

But again this isn't a hard issue to fix. All there needs to be is a firmware update to bypass the trophy data sync and it'll work just fine. But whether or not Sony finds fixing this issue as a priority is a different story, and which I wouldn't blame them because this hypothetical issue wouldn't actually be a thing for many many years to come.

travestyj1127d ago

All consoles and PSNow will all continue to use the same service which is PSN. It will never shut down so there is nothing to worry about.

Asuka1127d ago

"it will never shutdown"... Ok if you say so. At least you've been civil with the conversation, so I appreciate it 🤝

travestyj1126d ago (Edited 1126d ago )

Haha no problem and me too. Then only way I see it going down is if Playstation goes out of business 🤝

Orchard1126d ago

“ There is nothing to support. The old consoles will be able to connect to it, that is it. Nothing special has to be done for this to happen. It already happens. No extra work is required.

People really are trying to fear monger while not having a clue”

Clearly it is you who has no clue - anyone who’s built and kind of software or service knows there is maintenance involved and that the methods that service uses will not be the industry standard in 5, 10, 15 years.

Quick examples... encryption algorithms change all the time... TLS versions... HTTP versions... to name but a few.

There is a clear cost associated with supporting old and new devices trying to hit the same service - you either update your old device to be able to talk to the new services, or you make the service support both new and old devices - both of these have a dev cost.

Eidolon1126d ago

Bruh, getting to CMOS requires nearly complete disassembly of the PS4, including having to replace the thermal compound and possibly thermal pads(if needed).

Petebloodyonion1126d ago

I guess you didn't read the part of the article that mentioned that replacing the issue doesn't fix the problem if you can't connect to PSN.

Mithan1126d ago

They would need to patch it to correct that. One would hope that in the future, when they close the store, they would do a patch that removes the handshake/authorization/etc back to the servers.

gold_drake1126d ago

its actually not that simple lol not everyone has a hand for that sorta stuff.

MasterChief36241126d ago

Lol. "They'll never shut down the PSN." Tell that to the imminent closure of PS3, PS Vita, and PSP storefronts, basically erasing thousands of games from history as well as making it impossible for people interested in the platforms to be able to pick up any games on the service in physical form for cheap.

+ Show (12) more repliesLast reply 1126d ago
gravedigger1126d ago

Like every battery has a shelf life, so it is in PS4. All CMOS batteries are replacable easily. Why ouch!?

addictedtochaos1126d ago

The CMOS battery in the PS3 and PS4 require a near full disassembly of the system. You have to know what you are doing or you will ruin your console.

gravedigger1126d ago

@addicted

Luckily, PS3/PS4 aren't so hard to disassemble.

1126d ago
Fluttershy771126d ago

Could they change this with a future patch? Maybe not requiring trophies to sync with the servers in the future?
Is this an issue with PS5 too?

isarai1127d ago

Wonder what kind of battery it takes, and how replaceable it is 🤔

1127d ago Replies(6)
Shiken1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

When PSN for PS4 shuts down, replacing it will not fix the issue. You still need to connect to PSN at least once.

The battery is one problem, but it is the online requirement that is even more worrisome.

travestyj1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

PSN dor PS4 is not going to shut down. All future Sony consoles and PSNow will continue to use PSN

Shiken1127d ago

PS3 and VITA were part of the same PSN as the PS4, this has been known for some time. Yet Sony saw fit to remove the stores.

Electronic devices lose support eventually in favor of new ones. If you think Sony will keep PSN support on the PS4 indefinitely, you are lying to yourself. Jim Ryan himself made it very clear he does not give two shits about older games and hardware.

PitbullMonster1127d ago

The PSN Store and the PSN aren't the same thing. You can still play online games on ps3 and psvita.

travestyj1127d ago

The store is a separate front end web app you use to purchase content. It is not PSN nor does a console need a store to connect to PSN

Orchard1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

@travestyj That literally makes no sense. So you’re telling me that in 10 years time either:

1. Sony are still going to be using the exact same services stack / software as they use today. Obviously this isn’t true since technology like services and software move very fast.

Or

2. They’re going to go back and update PS3, 4, 5 etc for all future versions of PSN. They won’t even support back compat - why would they do this?

You cannot guarantee that PSN will stay turned on for PS3, 4, vita or anything else.

travestyj1126d ago (Edited 1126d ago )

They will update the servers but PSN will remain the same. There was no special update required when PS4 came out or when the PS5 came out. It is all one network under one username. I can guarantee that.

Orchard1126d ago (Edited 1126d ago )

So your logic @travestyj, it raises the question - why can’t they do the same with the stores? Why are stores being shut down? It’s just a web service like every other part of PSN.

And how can you guarantee it for me? Do you work high up at Sony?

Heck, even Microsoft has shut down parts of Xbox Live before - and let’s be honest, MS handles services all-up and general support for older platforms a lot better than Sony.

1126d ago
ScootaKuH1126d ago

This is why we shouldn't be so quick to dive into an "always online" future. If the servers get shut down, you lose everything

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 1126d ago
FinalFantasyFanatic1127d ago

You can buy the battery off any super market shelf, it's the same one a PC motherboard takes if you have a look at it.

Knightofelemia1126d ago (Edited 1126d ago )

@isarai

Most common battery would be a CR 2032 I swapped the battery out of my PS3 with a CR 2032 and it works. CR 2032's are common in game cartridges that feature a battery save like Super Mario World or Super Mario RPG even the Sega Saturn uses a CR 2032.Gamecube and Dreamcast along with the PS2 also use a CR 2032 but for those two consoles they are soldered to the mother board. Older pc's used a lithium ion battery and when they popped they pretty much f*cked up the mother board.

Mithan1126d ago

Probably a 2025 or 2032, those are the common types used on most motherboards.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1126d ago
outsider16241127d ago

It shouldn't be a worry should it? I mean how long do these go out? I still have my OG Ps4 running just fine. Controller just gave out last month though.

Asuka1127d ago

Those batteries tend to last anywhere between 15 to 20 years. It's just that someday they will die and in about 20 years time do you believe PS4 will still be supported on PSN? If not then that console essentially turns into a paper weight.

outsider16241126d ago

"20 years time". Lol. I have the launch console and its running fine till now. Im only holding onto it till i get my PS5 and im selling it off for cheap. Lets say 7 years now.

I don't know about you but I've never heard of consoles dying because of a battery.

Napoca71126d ago

My battery in the dreamcast still runs and it is older than 20years...

Mithan1126d ago

We will have blown up the planet by then, wont be an issue for most people

Miacosa1127d ago

This is pretty much applies for all digital content with DRM it will all need to phone home and store the checks.

Kaii1127d ago

+1 for Emulation Software

ManMarmalade1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

Computers die after being used for a long time and eventually burn out as well if theyre pushed too hard. Ive had at least 3 motherboards completely go out on me because of how many years I owned them. Ive lost tons of important files lost like this. Are PCs indestructible now?

Edit: you can buy a pc at any time and you can buy a console at any time. You can easily switch out HDDs on both consoles and PCs so I dont really see your logic unless im missing something. Also, emulation is nowhere near being as good as natively playing games. Parappa the Rapper, bust a groove, and a lot of my favourite rhythm games are almost unplayable with the input lag on my emulator. At least I can play some great rpg's though.

Orchard1127d ago (Edited 1127d ago )

You can buy a new PC at any time - and your emulated games will still work if they work today.

Buying a new PS3/4 will just get more and more difficult over time, and there’s a risk that the digital purchases or patches etc become inaccessible (as is happening to PS3 right now...)

trollpsg1126d ago (Edited 1126d ago )

thats funny 3 motherboards are you sure ? i have been in to computers for over 40 years and have not had 3 motherboards pack up on me if what you are saying is true you most be over clocking them to much or buying very cheap ones or both

Show all comments (85)
400°

PlayStation Boss Jim Ryan Reveals PS2 Sold 160 Million Units Worldwide

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) President and CEO Jim Ryan has confirmed that PlayStation 2 sales reached a staggering 160 million units sold worldwide.

The soon-to-be-retired gaming boss offered an updated figure during a chat on a recent episode of the Official PlayStation Podcast. The conversation saw him covering his time at Sony while talking about the company’s direction for the future.

When asked about what the 2000s brought to mind, Ryan responded with, “The 2000s? That would be, I would say, 160 million, which is the number of PS2s that we sold. A high watermark.”

just_looken45d ago

The ps2/ps3 era so many dam good games and then you got the online im sure i am not the only one with a ps2 network disc that still works and the modem/lan deal for the ps2.

Great consoles all around

Cacabunga45d ago

The same moron Ryan doesn't understand that great games not gaas is the reason why PS2 was so successful

just_looken45d ago

Ryan took charge in 2018 sense then we got the gutted ps4 update that killed simple coms 2 of the main studios dead went from multiple new exclusives on ps4 to the ps5 ghost town.

Crossplay that killed competitive gaming and just simple controller vs controller

Gaas crap like you said

Ps4 ip's just dead

hey were is my ps move support eye toy or even the ps vr support ryan?

The ps vita 2 rip

The horrible ps5 user interface

Sony push into making there games for everyone moved hq to cali now all esg

There psn chat being monitored by ai can not say/share anything now eyes are watching you

That is just the top of my head its just not the games ryan failed to understand under his leadership he killed alot of what made playstation.

blackblades45d ago

Ps2 couldnt even do gaas or anything it was forced go that one route.

Modpeel44d ago

Horrible Ps5 interface? Ya, ok. That's not a thing. At least you tried

jznrpg45d ago (Edited 45d ago )

PS2 was one of the best generations ever if not the best. Imo much better than PS3 gen though there were some great games during the PS3 gen it started out a little slow and finished strong

Shane Kim44d ago (Edited 44d ago )

Imo the classic consoles stopped with PS3. Now it's just copy and paste games, online, gaas and dlc's. This is why I really like FF7 Rebirth. Feels like a classic game.

Cacabunga44d ago (Edited 44d ago )

PS3 is my favorite PS console ever, followed closely by PS1.
PS2 was amazing but i haven’t been gaming much that gen.. too busy with schooling and stuff..
PS4 was just copy paste of PS3, like Shane said. Other than bloodborne and VR i didn’t feel there was something truly incredible and worth remembering last gen for.

FinalFantasyFanatic44d ago

I pray that my PS2/PS3 never dies, I have so many good games trapped on them, I know one out of two of my PS2s have died (I was considering opening it up and having a lot inside).

just_looken44d ago

I had my launch xbox die it was the power supply i never knew until i got a new one and after the fact opened my old one that the power supply could be replaced with a few cables :(. You never know it could be a simple ribbon cable

FinalFantasyFanatic43d ago

@Just_looken,
Hopefully it's something simple, it still powers on, just doesn't output picture/video or sound.

Relientk7745d ago

The game library of the PS2 speaks for itself. These sales are absolutely well deserved. PS2 is still arguably the best game console of all time.

just_looken45d ago

Game library and the features third console to have online mp but it became mainstream thanks to ps2/xbox then you got that sweet dvd player and the console size got so tiny. Singstar/eye toy the portable version oh also that component cable output then the whole sp game after months getting somewhat boring well gameshark it woot woot

FinalFantasyFanatic44d ago

I did main my PS2 as a DVD player when I wasn't playing games, good times.

Sgt_Slaughter45d ago

I just wish the video quality was better on the system since I've got so many classics for it. Yes, it can go all the way up to 1080i for certain games, but even today it's hard to get the right cables and the right calibration to make things look great compared to the Xbox or GC

just_looken45d ago

If you can there hard 2 find but launch ps3 consoles with backwards compatibility are great for replaying ps2 games.

FinalFantasyFanatic44d ago

I plug my PS2 into my AVR, but that seems to be more complicated that I would have expected, maybe I can find a component to HDMI converter at some point.

SimpleSlave45d ago

While I would always consider the OG XBOX as the best system during that generation - some of the games were truly next gen. So much so that the graphics actually affected the gameplay and game design - I still love the PS2. Still, it's clearly obvious that we are beyond spoiled now a days. Where the most middle of the road game has better controls and gameplay that half the PS2 library. Ditto for the Indie scene.

The reality is that the PS4 is the greatest console of all times by a country mile and the PS4/Switch/WiiU/Xbone generation is the greatest gen ever. Not even close. The PS4 physical library is almost ludicrous at this point. Then you add the digital library and there was never a comparison.

Skuletor45d ago

Your opinion isn't "reality".

SimpleSlave45d ago (Edited 45d ago )

@Skuletor - Neither is yours, bud. Still, I never claimed it to be my opinion, it was just an observation based on the quality of titles released for the console. From compilation of classics, to re-releases of classic, to its own unique library of physical and digital games released throughout the 10 years of its existence. All of it counting toward making the PS4 the best console ever released.

If you don't agree then you're more than welcome to chime in with something a bit more substantial. Otherwise, why bother?

mcstorm44d ago

I get where you are coming from. For me I enjoyed the Dreamcast the most that gen and seeing PS2 Vs DC games now I kind of know why with the output being better on the DC. I also owned a Xbox, GameCube and PS2 but the PS2 was my least used console that gan.

I was surprised at the time as I played my psx alot more than my Saturn and N64 I have found each gen my preference has changed. Just like the Xbox one, PS4 and WiiU gen I played more of the WiiU than the other two.

I'm fully off consoles at the moment and own a Rog Ally with a 3080 that I connect it to when docked and I've really enjoyed this console alot more than I thought I would.

That said the sales of the PS2 is impressive and I can see why people like it so much but just like anything in life some of us prefer other things to what is popular.

Just like I've never owned an apple product as they are just not for me.

SimpleSlave44d ago

@mcstorm - I'm pretty much the same way. My favorite consoles are the OG Xbox, the PS1, and the Sega CD with all 5 games. Then it's the PS4. So I'm not even saying this as a number one fan or anything like that.

As you said, some prefer the popular system, and that's fine, I don't see anything wrong with that. I think the problem lies when they make their taste the holy grail of anything. In the case of the PS2, the system was absolutely amazing, and I never even imply otherwise. Some legendary series were either born or expanded on that system, no doubt about it. But I think, when you step back and look at the experiences and games and franchises released for each of the systems, the PS4 is simply at a ludicrous place. And I do believe, only when looking back, people will come to realize this.

People do forget that back in those days, there were actually less games coming out. The gaming droughts were absolutely real and brutal. If there was nothing coming out, then there was literally nothing coming out. Now? There is never really a drought. When people say nothing is coming out, they mostly refer to AAA and popular games, but if you keep your eyes on the industry, you know that a plethora of great games come out on a monthly basis. From AA to Indy games. There's always something coming out and a lot of it is pretty good.

And that's probably the problem. When there is so much good stuff coming out, nothing in particular stands out. So it does seem like no legendary games are being released compared to the PS2. But there are and you just have to look for them, sadly. Especially when a lot of these games are only coming out digitally, so they become even more obscure and difficult to reach. Like I said, in 20 years, people will look back at the PS4 library and be in complete astonishment as to how they miss most of it.

As somebody that collected for the XBOX, PS2 and mainly the PS1, I can tell you there are so many hidden gems in those systems, it's pretty surprising. And as somebody that tried to collect for the PS4? I gave up. I can't really keep up anymore. It's too much. Too many great games coming out that are worthy of having in the collection, but between digital, limited runs, European and Japanese only releases, things got way out of hands a few years ago.

I would love to see a complete collection of the system. I think it'll put stuff in perspective for some.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 44d ago
Sgt_Slaughter45d ago

So odd that the number is suddenly higher than previously thought right as the Switch is closing in on the long standing record.

Crows9045d ago

They stopped reporting numbers so....yeah

ShwaaMan45d ago (Edited 45d ago )

I mean I hear what you’re saying, he did just round up by 2 million, but that doesn’t mean he’s lying either, maybe just updating the official number. The Switch still has 15 million to go to beat the Nintendo DS and another 5 million (approx) to beat the PS2… and it’s in its 7th year now. Also, if it does end up surpassing the PS2 will it hold that record for another 20 years like PS2 did?
A massive success for any of the big 3 is good for everyone, it drives the competition and should be celebrated across the board in my opinion. It makes everyone notice and adapt to the winning formula which is good for all of us. I love my Switch, it’s the first Nintendo system I have owned since GameCube, but they all have their strengths and I love my PlayStation and I have had all of them. Sony caters to my preferences in gaming more than the others. But that’s me.
Fanboys are so odd, what a weird thing to flex. Hey guess what, Microsoft has sold 600 million copies of Windows 7, mic drop?🤷‍♂️

mkis00745d ago (Edited 45d ago )

Whatever your hinting at is stupid; most people assumed ps2 was above 160 million because of the time between last sales report and last console manufactured. Switch is handheld, it will always be competing in that space. Ps2 had a smaller industry as well. Unless you think it would succeed without being a portable? Wii u 2?

Good-Smurf45d ago

IKR, all Nintendo did was they finally made more powerful Wii U portable and that's plays into their strength.
And it doesn't take much to make something more powerful than Wii U even back then.
It would have been a lot lower in sales if it wasn't a Hybrid console.
PS2 was able to do that huge numbers with much smaller industry and without the help of social media and easy access to cheap fast internet.

ChasterMies44d ago

Never underestimate the trickle of sales of old hardware. I’m glad that Sony keeps old hardware (and games for the old hardware) on the market after the new hardware releases.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 44d ago
Gamerscore207745d ago

The PS2 had a phenomenal library of games for every genre. It’s unfortunate we’re never going to witness something like that again.

just_looken45d ago

Too think all those ip's sony just burred out back or tossed to companies like activision on the cheap what a waist.

mkis00745d ago

Its more of how long it takes for games to come out due to dev cycles. Think how fast sequels came out like gta 3-san andreas, god of war 1,2. Battlefront...

FinalFantasyFanatic44d ago

@mkis007,
I really don't know why more big budget studios don't do some AA titles in between bigger titles, not everything needs to be a AAA game with huge cinematic and photo realistic graphics.

jznrpg44d ago (Edited 44d ago )

Of course we won’t get as many games. It takes 2-3x longer and more money to make a game than it did back then.

rlow145d ago

So he just came up with this fact all these years later??? I wonder if it has to do with the Switch closing in on the PS2 lifetime sales? How convenient.

NotoriousWhiz45d ago

He probably just rounded 155 to 160 million.

rlow145d ago

Could be but that’s a big 5 million stretch. Especially after all these years we were told different

TheCaptainKuchiki44d ago

could you please NOT pretend like you know better than the CEO of said company 💀

rlow144d ago

@TheCaptianKuchilki

I do doubt the narrative and Jim has lied before even going as far a lying to the FTC. Heck, he went and visited the London studio and didn’t hint that in two days they all would lose their jobs. While he may be quite sincere and honest about the numbers, something he could have rectified years ago. The timing and his past behavior makes it highly suspicious. So I do question the validity of his statement.

mkis00745d ago (Edited 45d ago )

You people are smoking some bad reefer with this conspiracy stuff. This is not the first time this was known, just the first time it is official. They could care less abou home console 2000's vs portable console 2010's...they are not invested in the school yard bs like you or me.

derek45d ago

@rlow1, it's you that are making a big deal about it. Why would he lie, becuase he's worried the switch will pass that total? Lol. Don't confuse the console war conversations we have on n4g with Ryan's statements on anything playstation. He was with playstation from the start and was apart of their climb to success. He would have the exact number.

Show all comments (58)
70°

The Best Games Similar to Pokemon for PlayStation

There are many worlds out there brimming with wondrous creatures ready to help you on your adventure beyond Pokemon.

Read Full Story >>
powerupgaming.co.uk
LG_Fox_Brazil52d ago

Temtem is actually really good as a single player experience or as a co-op game. Played the shit out of it when it released

180°

PS3 Update 4.91 Released and Does What You Expect This Feb. 27

You read that headline right! It's not a typo, as Sony has released PS3 update 4.91 this Feb. 27 2024, and it does what players might expect.

darthv7276d ago

It says it is for an updated Blueray key but we all know its to also try and patch the exploits that were found in 4.90. And soon this one will be exploited and released as CFW 4.91

Pyrofire9575d ago (Edited 75d ago )

One day the PS3 is gonna be the most STABLE OS every created.
I think I might as well look into some Homebrew at this point. There's probably a cool scene on it.

aaronaton75d ago

I play my PS3 on a CRT @576i. There is a clear bug that Trophies aren't popping up once earned, you hear the noise, but they do not appear at the top right.

CobraKai75d ago

You hold on to that CRT for as long as you can.

anast75d ago

They are still supporting the PS3 that's one reason why people prefer Sony gaming.

FinalFantasyFanatic74d ago

I only finished Xenogears on it in January, nice to see it's still getting the ocassional update.