Sony's new patent reveals plans to integrate smartphones with the DualSense controller, enhancing gaming with touchscreen and processing capabilities for a more flexible experience.
© E. Vartanyan
Sony is exploring ways to enhance its DualSense controller by integrating it with smartphones. A newly filed patent reveals plans for a hybrid control system that would incorporate mobile devices into the gaming experience.
The concept centers on a magnetic mount that would attach a smartphone directly to the gamepad. This approach aims to combine the physical controls of the DualSense with the touchscreen and processing capabilities of a mobile device, addressing limitations related to the number of buttons and input options.
According to the patent description, this combination could be particularly useful in games where a standard controller falls short. In first-person shooters, for instance, the smartphone could display maps, interfaces, or additional functions while the gamepad handles core controls. The patent also mentions potential uses for the smartphone's camera, such as facial scanning.
This move reflects Sony's broader effort to create a more flexible control ecosystem where mobile devices become integral to gameplay. The company is simultaneously working on other experimental solutions—from reducing the size of AAA games to developing new controller types, including touch-sensitive devices for future console generations.