Sony patent suggests touch screen controller for PS6

Recently, Sony filed a patent that may indicate a risky direction for the hardware of the successor to the PlayStation 5. The document describes a concept of control for the PS6 that abandons traditional physical buttons in favor of a fully touchscreen interface. The proposal transforms the peripheral into something close to a smartphone, supporting swipe, pressure, and pinch gestures, as well as featuring an adaptive interface that molds to the user's behavior.

The described technology focuses on repositionable virtual buttons. The system would be able to detect how the player holds the controller and adjust the position of the commands on the touch surface to ensure they are always within reach of the fingers. Additionally, the patent mentions the creation of personalized profiles, allowing each user to have a unique button layout memorized by the device.

Despite the attempt at innovation, the idea raises immediate criticism regarding the ergonomics and precision required in high-performance titles, such as Street Fighter or Call of Duty. The absence of physical tactile feedback is a chronic issue on touch surfaces; in a standard controller, muscle memory relies on the physical sensation of the keys. Without real buttons, the player could be forced to divert their gaze from the TV to the controller to confirm commands. To mitigate this, Sony suggests the use of an advanced haptic feedback system and guide points, attempting to simulate the mechanical response that players already have with the DualSense.

It is important to note that the filing of a patent does not confirm the final execution of the product. Companies like Sony often protect experimental concepts to prevent competitors from using them, but many of these projects never make it to production lines. 

If the Japanese giant truly intends to replace the precision of physical buttons with a glass screen, they will need to prove that haptic feedback has evolved to a point where it can replace the tactile click that has defined the console experience for decades.