Sony’s newest patent reveals a controller whose buttons will change texture on demand.
The disclosure, filed in November 2024 and titled “OPERATION DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND PROGRAM,” appears to push the DualSense concept further by allowing button surfaces to harden or soften during active play.
Next‑Gen Button Design
Central to the design is a magnetoviscoelastic elastomer that modulates magnetic field strength in real‑time, allowing touch panels to vary resistance as the game demands. Sony also explored fluid‑filled membranes to achieve comparable tactile shifts without magnetic components.
Finger Seize Mechanic
In addition, the patent introduces a “finger seize” feature. Buttons would first soften, inviting a forceful press, then contract instantaneously to simulate a feeling of being trapped—an immersive cue for moments when a character is caught or grabbed in the game.
Patent Disclosure
Cheat Happens uncovered the application submitted to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). No commercial rollout has been announced, and the patent remains a design study without guarantee of production.
Implications for PlayStation’s Future
Should Sony implement these ideas, the next controller could directly compete with the DualSense while providing an added layer of immersion. Although the PlayStation 6’s launch window remains undefined, the feature set suggests Sony is preparing for a generation‑ahead experience.
So far the technology promises richer haptics, but whether every player will welcome the sensation of being “sucked in” by their controller remains uncertain.
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