Sony's new PlayStation controller concept looks like a game-changer

(Image credit: Sony/Future owns)

While the PS5's DualSense controller was widely mocked for its chonky design back in 2020, it's become something of a fan favourite in the intervening years, thanks to its ergonomic feel. The upgraded DualSense Edge took things further with its customisable design in 2022, but things could soon get a lot more interesting.

A new patent filing has revealed that Sony is working on a controller no physical buttons. Instead of tactile controls, it could feature two touch-screen zones that can be mapped by the user, taking customisability to the next level. But are touchpads really a match for good old fashioned buttons? Because let's be honest, the best game consoles are arguably only as good as their controller.

PS5 review; a photo of the DualSense controller — Farewell physical buttons? (Image credit: Future)

As spotted by Video Games Chronicle, Sony's new patent describes how "often [conventional] controllers adhere to a similar control interface of having a directional pad on one side of the controller and buttons on the other side of the controller."

As for the solution, the patent suggests, "There exists a desire for game controllers to allow for different configurations, and accommodate hand sizes without having to customize or manufacture controller size."

Sony patent filing showing a touchscreen game controller — A screenshot from the patent filing (Image credit: Sony)

But as you might expect, the idea of replacing physical buttons with touchpads isn't going down well with fans. "I don't like it, at all. For the same reason I don't like virtual buttons on a smartphone screen: you need to look at where your fingers are pressing," one Redditor comments, while another adds, "That’s why I don’t game on a phone. I need tactile buttons."

Of course, a patent is no guarantee of an idea ever seeing the light of day. Nor that it is designed to replace what came before it – this could easily be positioned specifically as an accessibility tool rather than a bonafide new controller. Time will tell, but one thing's for sure – it'll probably arrive before GTA 6.

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Daniel John is Design Editor at Creative Bloq. He reports on the worlds of design, branding and lifestyle tech, and has covered several industry events including Milan Design Week, OFFF Barcelona and Adobe Max in Los Angeles. He has interviewed leaders and designers at brands including Apple, Microsoft and Adobe. Daniel's debut book of short stories and poems was published in 2018, and his comedy newsletter is a Substack Bestseller.

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