Summary
According to a new patent,Sonymight be working on a new PlayStation 5controller that uses a touchscreen instead of buttons. Gaming is an ever-evolving landscape, andSonyhas filed numerous patents for new peripherals or features that might be used in a future PlayStation console. Some of these are software-based, like a feature that could convert captured gameplay footage into replayable minigames or a system to let players take voice or video calls in-game.
Other Sony patents hint at new controllers or hardware features, like a DualSense with special earbud slots or a detachable touchscreen peripheral for gaming away from the TV. There have also beenpatents for spherical PlayStation controllersthat could be used in VR games and gamepads that could change temperature to simulate in-game environments. While the existing PlayStation 5 DualSense already creates an immersive experience for gamers and the PlayStation Access controller includes a wealth of accessibility options, it seems that Sony is constantly looking for new ways to improve player input in games.
Earlier this month,another Sony controller patentwas published detailing a new touchscreen-based design. The face of this controller would be one giant touchscreen into which players could program as many buttons as they need. Said buttons can be any size the user wishes and can be placed in any arrangement the player might see fit, such as lowering the directional pad or moving the X button to the right. This would result in a truly customizable controller layout tailored to each user’s needs or preferences.
New Sony Patent Describes Customizable Touchscreen Controller
The controllers for the PlayStation 4 andPlayStation 5 already incorporate touchpadsthat allow for feel-based inputs, but they are nowhere near as advanced as the touchscreen described in this recent Sony patent. As mentioned before, Sony has previously toyed with the idea of a touchscreen peripheral for the PlayStation 5 DualSense, and the PlayStation Portal remote controller uses a touchpad for video display in the place of a standard monitor or TV.
While these options are used in tandem with thetraditional PlayStation controller buttons, this new Sony patent would theoretically replace them with a fully customizable touchscreen display that would be programmed to fit an individual’s playstyle. Of course, as with all patents, there is no guarantee that Sony’s new touchscreen controller idea will ever be realized, but if it someday comes to fruition, it could give gamers a whole new means of input for their favorite PlayStation 5 titles.
PlayStation 5
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon’s Souls and Astro’s Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.
