Sony has proven us some fascinating various controllers for the PlayStation 5, and one attainable model continues to be on the patent stage. A not too long ago revealed patent doc suggests Sony is perhaps at the moment experimenting with haptic know-how that will enable a part of your controller to vary form or temperature relying on the gameplay.
The patent, initially noticed by gaming web site Exputer, particulars how the know-how would work if it ever got here to be. The controller would function a extra pliable “elastic member.” Whereas controllers as they exist at present are onerous plastic that isn’t malleable, the elastic member may truly change form. And although that tough plastic physique hasn’t modified over the many years, controllers have gotten extra superior, including particulars like haptic options which might be current within the present DualSense controller that comes with every PS5.
“Nevertheless, current years have seen widespread use of applied sciences that current vibrations and drive sensations so as to enrich consumer experiences in gaming and the like,” the patent doc reads. “The current invention has been made in gentle of the above circumstances, and it’s an object thereof to offer a controller able to enriching haptic experiences.”
The patent additional illustrates a sensor that will measure particulars reminiscent of whether or not the elastic piece is touched, twisted, pressed with a finger, pinched, squashed, rubbed. It may additionally measure issues like acceleration. In response, this elastic a part of the controller can change its temperature, form, and hardness. I’m making an attempt to not make a grimy joke, however Sony’s patent description is doing a lot of the legwork right here. The truth that all these options are managed by the stress and warmth from a participant’s fingers make it sound even worse.
My juvenile thoughts apart, the haptic tech is fairly neat. The elastic member might be stuffed with pockets of gasoline that broaden. When the controller heats up, the gel materials of the member may change its firmness. The elastic piece additionally has the vibration capabilities of any fashionable controller. Whereas it may be fascinating to consider how a controller can convey the depth of a volcano stage or simulate the sensation of climbing a rope, I’ve some reservations. All these options sound like they might be too bodily stimulating for after I’m making an attempt to focus on pulling off some sick strikes in God of Warfare.
It’s additionally essential to acknowledge that simply because the patent exists doesn’t imply that the controller will come to life, or that Sony even has any plans for it. Firms typically take out patents defensively, basically in order that one other firm can’t achieve this (a minimum of not with out paying up), even when it’s not one thing it desires to really pursue. Forward of the PlayStation 5 launch, patent paperwork revealed a model of the console that by no means noticed the sunshine of a Walmart shelf.
These potentialities sound extra like extra bells and whistles than something that will change how I at the moment expertise PlayStation video games. In his premium DualSense Edge evaluate, Kotaku workers author Kenneth Shepard couldn’t advocate the controller to the typical particular person resulting from its excruciating $200 value level. If temperature-responsive controllers price considerably greater than an everyday DualSense, then I’m undecided if it’s actually price swapping out what you at the moment have.