New PlayStation Patent Could Let You Put Controller Buttons Where You Want

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Sony recently received a U.S. patent for a game controller featuring a touchscreen covering most of its surface. This design would let players customize the button layout to fit their preferences.

This feature would let you customize the controller by moving and resizing the D-pad, thumbsticks, and buttons to fit your needs. You could adjust it for accessibility, different games, or just personal preference. A picture shows Sony’s initial ideas for how this could work.

The patent notes that a common problem with existing controllers is their buttons and other controls are always in the same place and can’t be customized. This can be inconvenient – for instance, the layout might be too small or too big for some people, or simply uncomfortable to use.

Sony recognizes that people have different preferences and needs when it comes to controllers, especially regarding hand size and accessibility. Traditional controllers also have limitations – they often can’t fit all the desired controls, like a directional pad and joystick, in comfortable or convenient locations.

The patent also describes a controller with pressure and heat sensors, designed to understand the state of the surface being touched. However, just because this is detailed in the patent doesn’t guarantee Sony will include a touchscreen controller with the PS6 – patents don’t always reflect actual production plans.

If Sony decides to release a PlayStation 6 controller without traditional buttons, it would be a significant departure from their current DualSense design. However, a buttonless controller would likely be sold separately as an optional upgrade, rather than replacing the standard controller included with the console.

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2026-02-01 17:36