An updated patent submitted by Sony in 2017 and publicly published last month suggests the company has been experimenting with a PlayStation controller that features a screen. The pad – which effectively sounds a lot like a DualShock 4 with a touchscreen included where the current touchpad sits – would presumably function similarly to the Nintendo Wii U, providing additional game information and perhaps even enabling Remote Play-like functionality.
It’s worth remembering that companies file documents like these all the time, and they’re rarely representative of commercial products in the pipeline. It’s probably something that the platform holder’s playing around with as it works on the PlayStation 5, but it would really bump up prices and we can’t help but ponder how much value it would add to the experience. Our guess? There’s nothing to see here. Interesting idea, though, right? Never seen anything like it before…
[source pdfpiw.uspto.gov, via dualshockers.com]
Comments 68
I doubt anyghing comes of this, companies like Sony file patents all the time.
Personally I hope they don't add a touch screen cos the screen will be far too small to be any use, not to mention things like battery life.
Please no. Just make a refined version of DS4 with quality analog sticks and a decent battery life. Leave the screens out of your controllers.
I just care for a way better battery in the Dualshock 5.
Not sure if I'd want a bright, glaring screen shining at me while I'm trying to focus on my game on the monitor or tv, to be honest. Even if it does provide additional info during the game. Not to mention a screen will be a battery eater for sure. Don't we already have issues with that light bar on the DualShock 4?
Yeah I'm not fussed about this either. It's a cool idea, but like the speaker on the DualShock and even the touchpad itself, realistically it's not going to get used. And it'd be pricey and battery draining.
There's no real point.
It seems the logical step up from the DS4. The DS4, at least in the majority of games I play, really doesn't require a touchpad though and at most, its just another button for me. The next step though would be to make the touchpad have additional functionality and that would be as a mini screen.
I do agree with @get2sammyb in that it adds more cost and more power. I can't see myself needing to look down at the controller for Hud elements, mini map, compass etc - If its added and doesn't add to the cost or battery life, I would be ok with that, but I would equally be happy without a touchpad DS4 too let alone one with a touch screen!
I don't use Touchpad or Light bar functions if I can avoid it. Would prefer they patented the PS2 controller again for PS5, (even PS4!).
I'd opt for a wired version so I didn't have to worry about batteries.
It exists; it's called a PS Vita!
not realy seeing the use for this.
the touchpad is just a novelty button and i don't see a screen having much more use put in by the game devs.
besides i rather have to focus on 1 big tv screen instead of 1 big tv screen plus a small screen on my controller. would break the immersion and it would be rather annoying having to look away from the screen in order to see whataver that controler is displaying.
I can't see anything coming out of this. Sony just probably patented it so if something does come out of it years later they don't have to deal with pantent trolls.
Why not, I find it odd that tv apps like netflix don't have linked apps you can use as touch pad remotes and browse, much easier to browse on your phone than using a crappy remote control. Ps should definitely release a wide ds4 with a screen or just an easy attachment to whack in your phone. Said this way back when vita was dying that it should be re imagined as just a streaming device linked to your PS4.
@get2sammyb
The speaker and touchpad are great. More options should be praised.
As for a screen? Idk. Open minded. I dont think theyd go over the top with it and there could be basic interesting functions. The internet often take extreme positions. Things dont have to be either awesome or useless.
@FantasyMeister
I always use the touchpad to type. Can you imagine a virtual keyboard coming up when needed? That sort of thing is useful
Been doing some hyperethetical thinking. Would do you guys think of a dualshock that looks similar to the article image? Where (like the Switch) you detach both sides of the dualshock from the screen and put them together to make a proper controller? The screen would just be a display using Remote Play as doing it natively would be almost impossible to do.
Would be handy for the map in Red Dead (and other open-worlders). But I'm struggling to think of too many uses which would make me fork out for it. I'm guessing it would be a fair bit pricier than the standard Dualshock
@JJ2 I like them conceptually but they just haven't really been utilised. The light bar actually gets the most use because of PSVR.
@AdamNovice I think it’d be
Alienating
Cus gamers don’t exactly like it when Console Manufacturers try to experiment and get out of the norm... gamers basically don’t like gimmicks. Now I may not speak for everyone but when THAT company does stuff like Motion Controls it’s rode off as just yet another gimmick.
Only way I can see this working and this would scream “Why did you do this in the first place?” And this would jack up pricing but a controller w a touch screen but another controller packaged in a PS5 bundle that is traditional.
Otherwise it’d have to be as non intrusive as that touch pad which good luck w that one...
Honestly, I don’t think Sony have the guts to experiment the same way Nintendo do. Ninty basically took an entire generation to refine what was eventually the Switch. I don’t think Sony would experiment with such polarising tech if it could hit sales the way Wii U did, even if it results in something great later.
If it wasn't too heavy on the battery and could be turned off i would quite like it.
Would be handy for accessing certain PS5 features such as music, friends list and trophy info. And for in game info like maps and health bars info or for example in fifa it could be used for subs etc.
Would obviously bump up the price heavily so maybe as a premium pad option.
Nah. I'd prefer a DS4 with a better battery life and options/select buttons that actually protrude from the controller.
The screen-on-a-controller thing can occasionally be used well (see: Wii U), but it would realistically just bump up prices and be useless for the majority of games (again: Wii U).
@Derpie1 agree with you that most gamers just want a standard controller without the gimmicks as they bump up the price and eat into battery life. To me the lighter is of no use to me and can't be turned off, touchscreen is just the select button in most games and the microphone/speaker seems like the reason battery life isn't longer
@oli_uk especially if they go nuts about it in marketing then you’ll feel... alienated maybe slightly irked/betrayed (ok a little exaggerated on the latter but hey some gamers DO NOT like gimmicks) the Box with a X’s Idea of Motion Controls alienated, PlayStation gamers did NOT give 2 dangs for the PlayStation Move and yes VR is a thing... but it’s um... not the most must have thing to everyone.
SONY doesn't even use the touchpad as is. why can't i use the touchpad to control the pointer in the browser?
@JJ2 i use motion controls for typing, works great
If it’s only an accessory for remote play, with the same layout than a Dualshock but with a screen, I might be interested... if the price is good. I guess the processor would not need to be powerful... With kids, access to the TV is more limited, or I just don’t want them to see the violence going on the screen... it might have a limited audience.
Also, with streaming like PSNow, it could be used to stream games « anywhere ».
The Vita, while similar is missing shoulder buttons.
Rather them spend the extra cash on something that will ensure 60fps at all times
I would use it but to apply what my man above said! PS Now anywhere. It's possible with 5G, not only that but they could expand it to Smart TVs (Sony Bravia) and smartphones (EDIT: The idea is that you don't have to carry the main unit, only the controller and the Internet will do the rest).
They way they could handle it is if you have an account registered to a PS5, you can stream your games (both physical and digital—sinxe every game is registered to your account and every game has a digital copy, the application only has to know you own it, so you can stream it) to the aforementioned devices. The screen on Dualshock 5 will serve as a remote cast, allowing you to connect to a device and use that Controller to play. It's a simple idea, but with the right tools, it's a hell of a feature.
How about a really good app and push the DS4/remote play phone dock? Would be much more useful (and cheaper) than adding a novelty screen to the controller. Like many have said, the DS4 battery life is already suspect without adding a battery sucking screen.
@get2sammyb Nice article. It was so light hearted I was afraid you'd get grief for it, but 28 comments later it's all good.
Any chance it's a really cheap really limited screen like the Dreamcast had, not meant for gaming, just for txt messages like an old school pager. I like getting trophies and accolades in DQXI, but I wouldn't mind if they only showed up in my hand, not on my tv. I think there's a way to turn trophy announcements off, but again I do like getting them, but on my controller would be better than my tv. And if we could get a WARNING LOW BATTERY scrolling on there, that would be good too.
As others have said, I rarely use the touch screen as it is, just as a really big button, but it might as well evolve into a notification screen. Your friend is online, your other game is finished installing, time. Chao garden. 😂
YEEES!! Sounds like a great idea! I cant wait to see if it’s real or not.
@manu0
Good for you. I did try motion control in the early days but when I found out I could just slide my thumb on the touch pad and slightly tap to type there was no going back for me.
I think the screen is going to feature a virtual keyboard and that sort of things. It's a natural evolution.
Psp,vita all good stuff but sony has a short attention span for handhelds sorry to say
For those who played the Dreamcast know this can have some interesting applications.
Because the speaker and touchpad weren't useless additions to the controller... Yes, let's make another useless gimmick controller no one will develop for and make use of.
@Derpie1 @Derpie1 People always complain about everything nothing special. I have not seen what it is but a optional controller with those options why not. You can always have a classic controller and something like that together.
Some of my best gaming experiences were on Wii U and I still use it because of the unique GamePad. If the PS4 had a similar controller, I'd be all for it. PS4 owners could then play Zombi the way it should be played
No way! So what will it be called? PS4U? With a super low definition?
Joke aside, the touch pad is pretty much useless on the PS4. I don't even know which games use it, and it could usually be replaced by 2 physical buttons.
Also a touch screen is the natural evolution for a touchpad. And since Sony is unable to fully revamp the controller, we can expect minor evolution like this. the PS6 could also include HD rumble since they copy Nintendo a generation too late.
I really hope this is one of those things that doesn't go anywhere.
Sony can not even make good use out of the touchpad and thats basic.
Sega tried this before with the Dreamcast VMU, interesting idea and you could always have the option to turn it off if you're wanting to save battery life.
@Bad-MuthaAdebisi Netflix and amazon prime both have apps that you can use as a remote and to browse, have done for years!
the big big issue would be after last time how quickly sony abandoned the Vita how could you trust them again. plus it would re use those ffffffffffffffffffff ripp off memory carts
I'd like one with a Pez dispenser.
@Flaming_Kaiser Well it’s more Sony has that level of standard with thier Systems. With Sony’s home console systems you’ll always get a standard experience. Yeah the DS4 looks slightly different but it still felt like a standard controller. Adding a touchscreen gimmick breaks that level of standard and feels like Sony is trying to appeal an audience that flat out doesn’t want nor care for this feature... But hey may not be bothered with...
I can already hear 'em Nintendo fanboys crying: "Sony is copying us agaaaaaaiiin!"
As two people already mentioned, this would actually be more similar to the Dreamcast controller with a VMU attached, than to the big ol' Wii U GamePad. It would be a small screen to have in-game information and the like.
Anyway, unlike most here I would actually love for Sony to have a version of the DS5 with a mini screen. Those of us who owned a Dreamcast know the VMU was actually a pretty snazzy piece of tech. It provided an awesome feature in many games. It just sadly wasn't copied by other consoles since then. I would love for Sony to bring it back.
So basically it's stealing from nintendo. Wow sony i thought your ideas were "origional". But your stealing from better companies like nintendo and xbox. Wooooow
Or it's an extension of PSVita which doubles as a controller. Even the Dreamcast had a screen on the controller nearly 20 years ago.
The DS4 is already chock full of useless, battery draining, price-raising gimmicks. I really hope they don't double down on that for the next generation with a damn touch screen, but as has been pointed out these patents rarely amount to anything.
@Lando_ I mean not really plus it’s a PATENT but ok...
@Ehhhhhhhhhhh dude just stop...
Oh noes! I had a dreamcast and it was the most pointless use of interaction ever. It took me and mates away from focusing on screen, glancing back n forth and in the end was just an overpriced gimmick. Blockbuster triple AAA games just stuck to tried and tested good ol joypad. I mean how many games use the touchpad and speakers on a dualshock 4? Gimmick = knock the price up baby! No thanks. At least offer a new joypad without screen to give us gamers a choice.
After the Switch started selling, I was kind of seeing this, just like when the Wii, Move and Kinect came out. All of the companies copy from one another, and I don't really care, as long as they continue support with them and not add all of the annoying (and taking up space) accessories and other gimmicks that get abandoned after just one game (Zapper guns for all nintendo consoles...couple more games but basically just one or two, Move for PS3, Kinect for Xbox One, Camera on PS4...if it wasn't for VR, what else did you really have besides Rabbids and the Just Dance titles, all the accessories for Wii and the Balance Board...the latter really not getting much use at all on the Wii U). Other than that, it would be nice to be able to get off-tv screen time with the PS5 like the Switch, and could give nintendo a little run for their money (a little), but I wouldn't see it last and Sony would give up quickly, and I'm sure a second controller for the PS5 would then run over $100 which would be insane...plus, don't forget that the Wii U could only run one controller pad (even though they actually said it could run 2 before it was released). Would take a lot of power to keep it going and it could also hurt the PS5's sales, especially if it costs too much and the system sells for over $400. Sony is in the lead right now, I doubt they want to mess up after the PS3 360 era and give the sales and consumers back to Microsoft. I have all 3 consoles right now, and just like with the past generation, it's all Sony for me, but I'd like to keep it Sony and not have a machine that doesn't get all of the AAA games by other companies.
Sure there would be the added features, but how does a controller like the one here feel to hold and use? A lot of my game play is with the DS4 resting on my lap with my eyes straight at the screen. The DS4 feels light, and there is no need for me to look at it or hold it off my lap.
A e-ink display. To tell you what different parts of the touchpad did or be a keypad or keyboard might be nice without being particularly power draining or a distraction.
@Lando_ You can't deny that they've never copied before. A touch screen is better then that garbage touch pad and and useless battery-draining light bar. Ugh...
@Turismo4GT The lightbar is a low energy led; the rumble motors are the ones that eat up most of the juice.
To be honest, if I had an affordable option to stream my games with low latency and a 'proper controller' feel, I'd potentially be up for this.
VMU is the way! Actually, that was really good in Resident Evil 2 on the Dreamcast as could see ammo and health on there.
@Derpie1 I know, mate, was just foolin' around.
@EVIL-C Yeah, but that's okay, at least in my opinion. Better a good steal than a bad invention, like the Germans say.
@AstralOrange64 Lol, can't say I disagree. Just goes to show how influential Nintendo is, and (at times) brilliant, despite all the hate they get.
@Derpie1 I would like to try one thats for sure. 😁
@EVIL-C Nintendo gets hate when? They do have the most spitefull fanboys thats for sure.
@AstralOrange64 Nintendo asked to make them addon for the Console glad they refused and let Sony make my favorite consolebrand. Oh and lets not forget the Dualstick. 😜
@Flaming_Kaiser Have you not been on the Internet the past 18 years? They get as much hate as they do praise, if not more.
I wouldn't talk fanboys without taking a look around here first, for one.
@Flaming_Kaiser interesting, I mean there’s pros and cons to it...
@EVIL-C But too be fair im a big Sony fanboy and i love it. Im sorry i love their products.
They made the best discman around still annoyed they stopped making the groove headsets. 😢
I love the games on the Playstation my favorite franchise where on the Playstation or got big on it.
And im so happy they kicked DVD out of the consolemarket. Its almost impossible to scratch a Bluray with normal use. 😁
A yes their Triple A releases and their diverse games and one of the big companies that still respect singleplayer.
@Flaming_Kaiser PS3 was the first Sony console I owned, and the second I bought myself. To this day, I still adore it. I'd say it's even better then PS4 in a few ways. Especially if you have the BWC model like I do. Sony makes some fantastic single player games for sure, (Uncharted is my fav PS series) which is great for me since I love 1 player adventures. Can't wait for Last of us 2, Death Stranding and I want to see more of Tsushima. The art is incredible.
I still need to get Gravity Rush 2 as well, lol.
@EVIL-C Get it mate its a steal and Its awsome. 😁
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