14 DAY TRIAL // The x86 architecture of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One next-gen consoles, which is almost the same as PCs nowadays, could lead to the appearance of actual emulators in the near future, according to an expert in the field.
The PS4 and Xbox One have introduced a paradigm shift in terms of consoles, as they no longer use complex chips or hardware, instead relying on mostly regular PC parts made by AMD.
This simple architecture is a godsend for enthusiasts working on console emulators, like Ben Vanik, who talked with Slashdot.
According to the expert, who's been working on emulators for many platforms, including Xbox 360 or PSP, "It would be easier to create a PS4 or Xbox One emulator within the next year or so than it would be to create a PS3 or Xbox 360 emulator that ran at the speed of the device."
Of course, things are a bit trickier than just having a simple architecture, as Vanik emphasized that console makers were getting quite good at locking down hardware in order to prevent tampering or homebrew efforts.