A new patent from Sony shows a new kind of controller where the traditional physical buttons are replaced with a touch screen that allows users to customize the button set and its sizes to their liking.
Sony has potential plans to try to reinvent the controller. A new patent from the company shows a new kind of hand control where the physical buttons have disappeared completely and are held from the front. Instead, the patent shows a handheld controller with most of its front side replaced by a touch screen.
On the one hand, it all sounds like the controller wouldn’t be able to offer the right level of physical feedback. On the other hand, it would allow users to choose where the digital buttons are housed on the touchscreen and how big they are. Something that opens up for a much more customized and personal experience.
The patent also mentions that the hand control would use sensors under the touch screens that detect temperature and pressure. Exactly what these would offer remains somewhat unclear, but gestures and personal “deadzones” on the controllers feel like something that should be relatively a given if Sony equips the controller with these sensors.
It is worth noting, however, that there is currently no information to indicate that any digital DualSense controller is actually on its way to the market. Patents do not mean that the products will be launched for consumers.
