Sony Quietly Preparing New AR Gaming Device

Sony has been granted a patent for a new augmented reality (AR) device. The new AR patent shows potential blueprints of mixing virtual reality visuals with good and non-intrusive heads-up display (HUD) menus. As of now, Sony has yet to continue its own line of virtual reality (VR) headsets after the PlayStation VR.

According to the new listing on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the patent is for a smart glasses-like device instead of the usual big headset for most VR peripherals. The full setup for the AR gaming experience would include the game console, a TV-like display and the smart glasses itself.

Users would have to wear the glasses while looking at the display to see the HUD menus in the game. No video game developer and major video game console company has achieved this setup for its AR games.

The technology aims to remove clutter from the VR headset’s screen. Most developers have to cram both game visuals and informative HUDs to the VR player’s screen, which can be jarring for many players. Health bars, ammo count, maps, resource meters and other important information are needed by players in most games.

The crammed screen full of menus and options is one of the limitations of VR games at the moment, and not many developers are innovating on their titles to solve this issue. Potentially, Sony’s new AR gaming device, based on this patent, could revolutionize the industry.

For now, Sony’s PlayStation end is currently focusing on releasing its big exclusives and games this 2019. The company is also busy on working on its next generation console, the PS5. Sony has yet to make additional announcements for its new updates and overhauls to the PlayStation VR.

However, it’s also possible that the company will not push through with the device described in the patent. Many technology companies have been known to actively apply for patents but not all of the works are made into products. Fans can only wait for what Sony is planning for the PlayStation platform for 2020 even with this great patent in their hands.