What the heck is that thing? Surely that's not Sony's final design for the PlayStation 5 controller? Well, you can rest easy -- this is something else entirely. We already know that the DualShock 5 will look pretty much the same as the PS4 controller, so where does this crazy device come into play?
It's another recent patent from Sony Interactive Entertainment, as discovered by the ever-vigilant LetsGoDigital. The above image is a 3D render based on the sketches within the patent document, but as the tech site itself admits, this is unlikely to be a final design. What's more interesting is the functionality of this device.
The patent filing makes for heavy reading, but here are the basics. This little doodad can supposedly connect via Bluetooth/WiFi to multiple devices, such as a PC, games console, or smart TV, and it can transfer data between them. An example given by LetsGoDigital is that this controller-looking thing could beam a PC game to your TV to play it there instead of at the PC itself, or send photos or music from one to the other.
However, it goes further than that. What's most interesting about this patented gadget is its ability to provide the user with context-sensitive information, depending on your location. Options displayed on the device's screen will change if, say, you're out and about rather than at home. Examples given are that you may be able to view a map while you're outside, or fire up a game with a friend while you're at their house. Basically, it'll be able to pull relevant info for you instead of having one concrete set of options. With a fingerprint scanner, gyroscopes, a heart rate monitor and more, it sounds like it's full of functionality.
LetsGoDigital notes that this patent was published more quickly than usual, and it suspects this speed may indicate that Sony is pushing forward with this device, or at least its tech. We suppose it's possible some of this stuff could become part of the PS5's controller, but it seems equally likely that this will remain some standalone gadget. It's an interesting thing either way, but what do you make of it? Would you find this curious device useful? Will it see the light of day, or will it remain on paper? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
[source nl.letsgodigital.org, via nl.letsgodigital.org]
Comments 26
I've always dreamed of owning my very own Playstation heart rate monitor.
looks like a nice way to play ps1 games on the go
not sure if I'd want to do that though
Dualshock 5 Stream? So we can play ps5 games streaming to the controller directly 😃
Well I'm half-way expecting the final retail PS5 design will be uncovered by LetsGoDigital at this rate. I'm also interested in seeing what the Xbox Project Scarlett hardware (dev kit, controller etc.) looks like.
LetsGoDigital are pretty good at these 3D renders 👌🏾
Some concepts for a modular design perhaps?
They look like the Gameboy Micro.
Nice design to be honest. Ideal for PS1 & SNES games on the go.
I wonder if they’re thinking of using these for PlayLink-style games. Im betting they rush it to market and quickly abandon It?
It's a Dreamcast VMU.
Didn't Sony just announce they weren't making another portable 2 days ago?
https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/12/sony_appears_to_officially_confirm_it_wont_make_another_portable_playstation
I suppose if it's just streaming and doesn't get it's own line of games it's just a wireless Wii U Gamepad, like the Gamepad should have been in the first place. I mean it was, but it really wasn't. At its' 8' limit they might as well just have attached a 10' wire to it and save money on the battery.
Also, if they slap this on top of those SSD drive patents, then it actually is a Dreamcast VMU, no joke.
"...its ability to provide the user with context-sensitive information, depending on your location."
"With a fingerprint scanner, gyroscopes, a heart rate monitor and more, it sounds like it's full of functionality."
Not in a million years.
Sony initially filed a patent for this in 2006. This is just a more recent continuation of that. Technically, it's a continuation of a 2016 patent that was a continuation of the earlier 2006 patent. It literally says all this on the first page of the patent. As such, this is unlikely to be for the PS5 as it predates the PS4.
A snes-style button layout is what we need for a return to Traditional Gaming.
Looks like the GBA Micro!
Looks like bedside alarm clock... Or chess clock.
@wiiware maybe not far off... a ds5 that acts like a memory stick for your psn account and allows you to throw content from your console on to devices wherever you go!
One can dream.
The DS5 can use Wi-Fi to connect directly to servers as we know. I think there's more to it and maybe some of this patent.
@J2theEzzo If sony didn't want to make portables anymore, this is the next big things 😃
Man I hope they don’t have the same controller I hope they make a different one they need too
Ooh...I like it! If I need inspiration from a higher power, it’s a PrayStation. If it carries my food at the mall, it’s a TrayStation. In the bathroom, it’s a BidetStation. But, if it plays XBox games, it’s just an OkayStation.
@Ristar24
That's what I was thinking.
It does indeed look like a GameBoy Micro. I suspect it could be a dedicated remote play device for PS5.
Not a handheld console, because we know that's not happening, but strictly remote play of PS5 on the go.
Or you could just, like... you know... use an app on your phone...
@CalizveryOwn7 It will be almost the same according to technical drawings. It will only be slightly larger/rounder, lose the lightbars, and have different technology for the rumble and such. Oh, and larger stick-tops or something... But it still isn't 100% clear.
PS5 is the Dreamcast 2, confirmed.
Looks like something Nintendo would make for goodness sake let Xbox elite controller 2 work on ps4 or ps5 for the ultimate comfort and usage.
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