Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a patent for a new PlayStation controller that includes a touchscreen allowing users to select where the buttons will go.
The patent was filed three years ago but only recent issued, and is listed as “designs and method for a game controller.” The description reveals that the pad design includes a touchscreen covering the area where buttons would usually be present, but the idea with this design is that players can customise where they want to put the D-pad, analog sticks, and action buttons.
In addition, the patent suggests that users can also adjust the size of the buttons or move some of them completely for specific titles. You can find the patent description below.
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. One of the drawbacks of existing designs may be the fixed configuration. By way of example, a fixed layout may be too small, or too large, for a user. Similarly, a fixed layout may not be comfortable to a user. Manufacturers typically do not veer from layout or controller size to reduce cost. As result, controllers may include button configurations for hand sizes that do not accommodate all players.
There exists a desire for game controllers to allow for different configurations, and accommodate hand sizes without having to customize or manufacture controller size. Another drawback of conventional controllers may be the fixed nature of input controls. For example, a controller only has enough space to include a directional pad and joystick, and each element is usually located in a different location.
Due to size of physical control elements, game controls may be limited. In addition, inclusion of controls can increase controller size. There exists a need and a desire to allow for improvements and modifications to game controllers.
Keep in mind that many companies, Sony included, frequently file patents for designs on potential future products but it doesn’t guarantee the will ever see the light of day.
Earlier this year, the format holder patented technology that uses AI to help players out when stuck in a game, including a feature known as Ghost Player, where the user can call upon an AI-generated ghost version of the character to complete the section they are stuck on.
[Source – VGC]