Sony Patents Controller with Adaptive Buttons

As we creep closer to another generation of PlayStation consoles, Sony is exploring potential additions to its controllers that could set it apart in a similar way to the DualSense with the PlayStation 5.

According to a new patent filed in November 2024 with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and published in May this year, Sony is considering buttons that can harden or soften based on in-game actions. The patent details different methods, including using magneto-viscoelastic elastomers or fluid-filled membranes to adjust button resistance.

One design even shows a button that can harden around a player's finger, while another envisions a button that softens to allow the finger to sink in before hardening again. These innovations could enhance gameplay by simulating different scenarios requiring varying levels of force. While the concept may seem unusual, it aligns with Sony's history of experimenting with controller features like the DualSense's adaptive triggers.

Although the patent hints at what the future PlayStation controller might offer, it's essential to note that not all patented ideas materialize into final products.