We already know that Sony is working on a PlayStation 5, but the details around what it is and what it’s going to be capable of are still scarce. However, a recently updated patent for the company’s PlayStation controller may have just spilled the tea on a follow up to the DualShock 4, which could feature a fully functional touchscreen.
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According to the filing, the touchscreen would replace the current touchpad, which is essentially an oversized button right now. Sure, it can be used as a trackpad, but few games utilise that functionality. You can read the entire abstract from the patent below.
A controller for interfacing wirelessly with a computing device is provided, including the following: a housing defined by a main body, a first extension extending from a first end of the main body, and a second extension extending from a second end of the main body, the first extension and the second extension for holding by a first hand and a second hand of a user, respectively; a touchscreen defined along the top surface of the main body between the first extension and the second extension; a first set of buttons disposed on the top surface of the main body proximate to the first extension and on a first side of the touchscreen; and a second set of buttons disposed on the top surface of the main body proximate to the second extension and on a second side of the touchscreen.
There’s a lot of techy language in there, but it’s essentially a layout of the controller which specifically points out a touchscreen component. It’s worth noting, however, that just because a patent is filed, doesn’t mean the product is a sure thing. Companies will often file patents for ideas regardless of whether they see them through or not, but it’s a cool possibility to consider nonetheless.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen screens on controllers, either. The Wii U is the latest example, but they date back as far as the Sega Dreamcast. If you remember back to either of those consoles, they, uh, didn’t do all that well.
I guess the question is, would you pay upwards of $250 for a PlayStation controller? Because I can’t see them costing any less than that.
