Yes 64 bit is probably impossible, as there will be new patented features in pretty much every model coming out, so most of your instruction set would be stuck

Yes 64 bit is probably impossible, as there will be new patented features in pretty much every model coming out, so most of your instruction set would be stuck 20 years out of date. I think there's not much point in new 32 bit x86 processors now, as there are low power SBCs that would cover most uses (unless you need old proprietary x86 software, but then just buy a PC second hand).