Sony Working On A New PlayStation Controller, Patent Reveals

A new patent reveals that Sony is working on a new PlayStation controller, although it's still unknown what the controller is meant for.

Sony and Microsoft are both racing to release the best next-generation gaming consoles the gaming world has ever seen. Both companies are striving to include advanced technologies that will allow for more than just 4K resolution, faster loading times, and even ray tracing.

Now a new patent reveals that Sony is working on a new controller for the PlayStation. The new controller appears to look similar to the one used for the PS4, save for a few differences, most notably at the back of the peripheral.

The patent, accessible via the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database, shows a controller with almost the same design as the DualShock 4 controller, at least in front. The PlayStation button, which sits at the center of the DualShock 4, however, is missing and there appears to be no sign of it being relocated to another portion of the controller.

What's even more interesting are the new details found at the back. The patent illustrations reveal that Sony's new controller might feature two new programmable buttons. The buttons do not look similar to the rear paddles at the back of the Xbox One Elite Controller or the Scuf Vantage 2, which has been designed for the PlayStation. They simply look like buttons or triggers.

Polygon noted that the two buttons, while seemingly located directly behind the analog sticks in front of the DualShock 4, might be movable and placed in other locations at the back of the controller. This could mean that Sony's new controller is customizable like the other two controllers mentioned above. If it is, it will be a first for Sony since the game company hasn't released it's own yet.

So, does the patent mean Sony will be releasing the new controller in time for the PS5? Not necessarily. The patent designs are not final, and might only serve as legal protection in the event that other companies attempt to create their own controllers with a similar design. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see that the electronic gaming company is interested in creating such a controller.