Sony Patents Controller Buttons With Adaptive Physical Properties
Sony has filed a patent application for a new gaming controller technology featuring buttons capable of dynamically changing their physical properties. The patent, filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in November 2024 and published in May 2024, describes mechanisms that allow buttons to harden or soften in response to on-screen events. Potential implementations include using magneto-viscoelastic elastomers, which alter button resistance via surrounding magnets, or fluid-filled membranes. One notable concept details a button where a player's finger can sink in before it hardens around the finger, simulating scenarios requiring more force. While such patents indicate exploratory research, they do not guarantee future product inclusion.
Sony is exploring advanced controller technologies, filing a patent application for buttons designed to adapt their physical properties dynamically. This innovation could distinguish future PlayStation consoles, similar to how the DualSense controller enhanced the PlayStation 5 experience.
The patent application, filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in November 2024 and published in May 2024, outlines several methods for altering button characteristics. One approach involves a magneto-viscoelastic elastomer, which adjusts the force required to press a button through magnetic fields. Another method utilizes fluid-filled membranes to achieve a similar effect.
One design described in the patent illustrates a button that could harden around a player's finger after it sinks in. This feature aims to simulate in-game scenarios where a character might be stuck or require increased force for an action.
These experiments reflect a continuous effort to enhance haptic feedback, building upon features like the adaptive triggers in the current DualSense controller. Adaptive triggers simulate context-sensitive actions, such as varying weapon fire modes in games like *Saros* or the tension of web-swinging in *Spider-Man 2*.
While Sony is anticipated to release a new PlayStation console around 2028 or 2029, the filing of this patent does not confirm that these specific designs will be incorporated into future products. Many patents serve as exploratory intellectual property filings.
