It's no secret that video game publishers are none too happy with the used game market, as only the retailer reaps the benefits of pre-owned sales.

That's why we've seen various strides taken by game producers like EA, THQ, and Sony; you're all familiar with the Online Passes that are only included with new copies, right? That's to discourage you from buying a pre-owned copy, because the Pass costs $10 if you have to purchase it separately.

And we've heard rumors before that next generation, console manufacturers might want to completely eliminate even the possibility of playing used games. Now that rumor will start afresh, thanks to information obtained by a NeoGAF forumite citing a recent patent application that could be used for Sony's next-generation machine; it would presumably not allow the playing of used games.

Basically, an RFID ID would be stamped onto the new discs and track the usage history, thereby restricting each disc to playing on one console. Sony Computer Entertainment Japan filed the application last September, but let's not forget that this patent might only result in the restricting of some of the disc's features, such as online play. Yeah, the online pass thing again. And analysts have said it would be stupid for Sony or Microsoft to put out a console that couldn't play used products…not that that would necessarily stop them. They'll do what they want to do.

We'll just have to see what happens when the PS4 is officially announced.