Feel the Heat: Sony's New Patent Allows PlayStation Controllers to Adjust Temperature
Sony has been granted a patent that will allow game developers to adjust the temperature of PlayStation controllers. Exputer discovered the patent, which describes the use of a special gel inside the controller that can harden or soften to mimic the texture of an object in the game.
patent
The patent also mentions that the controller can be heated or cooled, which could be useful in games where the character is holding something hot or cold to simulate a more realistic experience. Because it is made of "difficult to deform." materials, the controller will enhance haptic experiences.
immediate plans
It is unclear whether Sony has any immediate plans to incorporate this technology into their controllers, but it could be another step in their ongoing effort to provide options that make players feel more immersed in the game with each generation of their controller.
innovative
The DualSense controllers for the PlayStation 5, for example, have already introduced innovative features such as adaptive triggers and extensive haptic feedback, allowing players to feel the tension of a bowstring or the resistance of a car's brakes. Temperature control would be an exciting step toward creating a more immersive gaming experience.
exciting
While the patent is an exciting development for gamers, it is likely that this technology will take some time to become a reality. New features take time to develop and test, and there is no guarantee that Sony will ever use this patent in a commercially released controller. Nonetheless, it's a promising development that indicates Sony is still looking for new ways to improve the gaming experience.