Sony has patented a new design for a future game controller that has no buttons and instead records touch and gesture input. The controller design seen in the patent filing shows a buttonless PlayStation controller surface, with a touchscreen interface instead of thumbsticks and buttons.
The U.S. patent, filed in 2023 and approved last week, mentions “apparatus and methods for a game controller” and details a buttonless controller design with at least one optical sensor to detect input. According to the patent, discovered by noted leaker xleaks7, the sensor will allow input based on one or more of touch, tap, swipe, press, pinch, and joystick input on one or more surfaces of the controller.
Touch-based controller design
According to Sony, traditional controllers have fixed configurations that may be too small or large, or otherwise uncomfortable for the user. But with a touch-based controller, users will be able to customize the layout of the D-pad, buttons, and joysticks on the controller’s face to their liking.
With the help of various diagrams, the patent details a touch-based controller design that would allow users to resize or remove buttons and move them around based on their preference, hand size, or the game they are playing.
According to the patent, the controller will be able to store different location configurations. It is also able to identify the user and configure the controller based on the user’s saved location configuration. The patent also mentions that the controller could include a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor to detect the condition of the input surface.
The controller will allow users to configure custom layouts
Image source: Sony
Next generation controller upgrade
While the patent is for a future Sony game controller, it’s unclear whether Sony will use the design for its next-generation PlayStation 6 controller. The device concept might not even see the light of day.
Each generation of consoles also typically comes with upgraded, new-generation controllers with new features and designs. When Sony released the PS5 DualSense controller, it made several upgrades to the PS4 generation DualShock 4 controller. DualSense features an improved design and new features like adaptive triggers, advanced haptics, built-in microphones, and more.
The DualSense controller also features a touch strip on top for touch, swipe, and press input. However, the controller retains the traditional PlayStation gamepad design, including the D-pad, joystick, and iconic PlayStation buttons – triangle, circle, cross, square.
Most recently, when Nintendo launched the Switch 2 last year, it made several upgrades to the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers. The Joy-Con 2 controllers feature a new magnetic attachment system, optical sensors for mouse functionality, dedicated buttons for GameChat functionality, and other improvements.
Sony is believed to be developing the PS6, but the next-generation PlayStation console may be delayed. An analyst recently suggested that Sony may be planning to extend the PS5’s life cycle, which could push the PS6 beyond 2028. Earlier leaks pointed to a 2027 launch for both the PS6 and next-gen Xbox.
