Sony Is Working on a Temperature-changing PlayStation Controller

A patent recently filed by Sony references a new controller with improved haptic feedback and the ability to change temperature.

PlayStation creator Sony is no stranger to innovation. From VR to improved voice chat for disabled users, they’re always looking for ways to push their tech further.

In January, the DualSense Edge launched as a feature-heavy custom controller to rival the likes of Scuf and the Xbox Elite. But things could be getting even crazier in the future…

A new patent from Sony discusses designs for a controller with enhanced haptic feedback, including heat manipulation. It would work by swapping out the standard plastic material with a special deformable elastic sensor (kind of like a gel) and introducing a “Peltier Element” than can change the temperature electrically.

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The patent reads, “a controller comprising of a sensor using an elastically deformable elastic member, the sensor being configured to detect user’s contact with or deforming action of the elastic member and output an electric signal based on the detected contact or deforming action”.

This would enable the controller to react to what’s happening in-game. For example, warming up when you pick up a hot item, or cooling down as you walk through a snowy biome.

Fans are already concerned about how this would affect battery life – which is a big issue with the DualSense as it is.

However, there’s no guarantee that this invention will ever see the light of day, and if it does, it won’t be for a long time yet. It’s definitely cool to think about though! Let us know on Twitter whether you’d want to use a temperature-changing controller @trackernetwork.

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