Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Japanese division has filed a new patent for a PlayStation controller specifically for gaming on a mobile device. The theorized product resembles the DualShock 4 controller and attaches to both sides of a smartphone screen. While similar products exist, if true this would be the first example of Sony-official mobile gaming peripherals.
Currently, users can use the DualSense and DualShock 4’s Bluetooth functionality to pair their controller with a smartphone (or use the controllers via USB cable). The patented design, however, goes the extra mile. While not shown in the above design documents, VGC reveals that the patent also describes a built-in shaft that can sense the tilting direction and speed of the screen. This means that the controller design could include some gyroscopic functionality, similar to those found in the DualSense, DualShock 4, and Nintendo Switch.
Sony has yet to comment on the mobile gaming controller patent. However, it has shown interest in the mobile gaming industry as of late. While the company has expressed interest in the market for some time, earlier this year it founded a new mobile business unit and was looking to recruit an executive to lead the team. The new business team will focus on bringing PlayStation games and IPs to mobile devices. Additionally, the mobile controller attachment could be utilized with remote play.
Sony CEO Jim Ryan later stated that the company was looking into bringing its “wonderful PlayStation franchises” to the mobile space, as well as expanding its social capabilities. One such example, Ryan mentioned, was a recently announced partnership with the voice chatting service Discord.
Sony has been hard at work supporting the current capabilities of the DualShock and DualSense controllers. Earlier this month, it released a new update for the DualSense that added support for Android devices. A theoretical mobile device DualShock controller would also make it easier for users to take advantage of the PS4 and PS5’s remote play functionality, having complete access to all of the controller’s inputs.
[Source: VGC]
