Sony Patents Fully Touchscreen PlayStation Controller
The idea is to provide an unprecedented level of customization.
Sony
Just because a company patents an idea doesn't mean it'll ever become a product, but it does offer a peek at what the biggest hardware makers are exploring and interested in right now. Sony has previously filed patents for a self-censorship tool, a system to reduce online lag by predicting player behavior with AI, the ability to revisit game moments when streaming, and an AI assistant who will play the game for you when you're stuck.
This time, as spotted by VGC, a newly revealed patent introduces a controller featuring a touchscreen that covers most of its surface, allowing players to customize and resize buttons to suit their personal preferences or accessibility needs.
"Computer and console games often utilize a controller or computer keypad as a control interface for a user. These conventional controllers typically require a user to press buttons or control movable elements to provide game controls. Often, these controllers adhere to a similar control interface of having a directional pad on one side of the controller and buttons on the other side of the controller.
One of the drawbacks of existing designs may be the fixed configuration. By way of example, a fixed layout may be too small, or too large, for a user. Similarly, a fixed layout may not be comfortable for a user. Manufacturers typically do not veer from layout or controller size to reduce cost. As a result, controllers may include button configurations for hand sizes that do not accommodate all players.
There exists a desire for game controllers to allow for different configurations and accommodate hand sizes without having to customize or manufacture a controller size. Another drawback of conventional controllers may be the fixed nature of input controls. For example, a controller only has enough space to include a directional pad and a joystick, and each element is usually located in a different location. Due to the size of physical control elements, game controls may be limited. In addition, the inclusion of controls can increase controller size. There exists a need and a desire to allow for improvements and modifications to game controllers," the patent description reads.
It might end up going nowhere, but could this be a peek at the future PlayStation 6 controller? Subscribe to our Newsletter and join our 80 Level Talent platform, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, and Instagram, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.
