A newly unearthed Sony patent has revealed plans for a unique PlayStation controller – one that’s entirely touchscreen without any physical buttons.
New patents are filed at a constant clip, and the vast majority never result in real consumer products. However, they do offer rare insight into what gaming’s biggest hardware manufacturers are working on behind closed doors.
In Sony’s case, we’ve seen everything from AI censors to ‘ghosts’ that play games for you, and even tools to speed up video game development. Have any of these actually been implemented yet? Not quite, but they give us a unique look at a possible future for PlayStation.
Now, as first spotted by VGC, a new patent focuses on a new type of controller – perhaps the next evolution of the DualSense – one without any real buttons. Instead, it’s consists entirely of touch screens.
New PlayStation controller patent replaces buttons with touch screens.
This particular patent was filed all the way back in February, 2023, but was only made public to start 2026. It showcases a controller with a large touchscreen but no physical inputs. The purpose is to allow for a greater level of customization than ever before.
“One of the drawbacks of existing designs may be the fixed configuration,” the patent description reads. “A fixed layout may be too small, or too large, for a user. Similarly, a fixed layout may not be comfortable for a user.”
In order to circumvent the possible issue, this device would allow for complete control, pardon the pun. Users could map and resize buttons however they please across the touchscreen.
For instance, if you prefer your D-Pad on the right-hand side, you can put it there. If you find there’s no need for a Triangle input in a racing game, for example, you can remove it entirely and make the other face buttons bigger. In theory, there are countless ways to fine-tune the look and feel of your specific setup with this device.
Moreover, the patent outlines the implementation of pressure and heat sensors in order to detect when inputs are being pressed, so on paper, you wouldn’t accidentally jump when your finger barely touches the screen.
The patent also highlights the potential recognize individual users, swiftly reverting to their chosen configuration, meaning you wouldn’t have to remap buttons when passing a single controller around.
“There exists a desire for game controllers to allow for different configurations, and accommodate hand sizes without having to customize or manufacture controller size,” the patent outlines.
Of course, there’s no guarantee this particular idea ever makes its way out of the ideation phase, into factories for production, and onto store shelves for your enjoyment.
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