Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
TL; DR
- Sony has filed a patent for a new type of controller.
- The file shows a controller shaped like a Dualshock with some sort of material around the handles.
- The material will be deformable and can allow players to feel the temperature changes during the game.
From touchpads to adaptive triggers, PlayStation has shown that it isn’t afraid to try new ideas when it comes to its consoles. And it seems the company isn’t done with experimenting yet, as a new patent has surfaced online.
Sony has filed a new patent focused on further improving the touches on its consoles. The patent shows a device partially made of a softer material than hard plastic.
According to the file, this material is flexible and deformable, such as “silicon-based macromolecular gel” or other types of elastic materials. In addition, this material will be able to receive electrical signals via a connected circuit that processes information. Sony states that the use of this invention will provide “a console capable of enriching tactile experiences.”
Arguably the most surprising thing here is the fact that this flexible gel can be used to transmit temperature changes in the game.
In this example, circuit section 12 may include a temperature control device such as a Peltier element capable of electrically varying the temperature that may be provided on or within the front surface of the flexible member.
For example, suppose you are playing a game where there are different environments. If you cross into a particularly cold area, like the tundra, information will be sent to the controller to make your hands feel cold.
Before you get too excited, it’s important to note that this patent does not guarantee that this console will ever make it to store shelves. Sony holds a lot of patents that have never seen the light of day. For example, in 2020, a patent was found for a console that can collect biofeedback, such as sweat and heart rate, to alter a player’s gaming experience.