Sony patents new controller buttons that react to gameplay and change how they feel

Sony has filed a patent for controller buttons that dynamically change resistance based on gameplay, using a magneto-viscoelastic elastomer that alters firmness under magnetic fields. The technology could make buttons harder or softer to press, or even grip a player's finger, to enhance immersion in scenarios like weapon jams or character entrapment. The patent, filed with WIPO in late 2024, does not guarantee a commercial product.

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Prime Day is coming — don’t miss the deals Sony is no stranger to experimenting with new controller technology. The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller introduced features like adaptive triggers and advanced haptic feedback, helping games feel more immersive. Now, a newly discovered Sony patent suggests the company may be exploring an even more unusual idea for future PlayStation controllers. According to the patent, Sony is working on controller buttons that can dynamically change how they feel while you play. Instead of always having the same level of resistance, these buttons could become harder or softer depending on what is happening in a game. Sign up for our free, weekly newsletter Subscribe By signing up, you acknowledge our privacy policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Leave this field empty if you’re human: Dynamic feel for the next PlayStation controller? The patent was originally filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO in late 2024 and was published earlier this year. It describes several methods that could allow a controller to physically alter the feel of its buttons in real time. Prime Day is coming — don’t miss the deals Get ready for exclusive savings with Prime. Ages 18–24 can get a 6-month Prime trial for $0 Start your Prime trial → One of the proposed solutions involves the use of a special material known as a magneto-viscoelastic elastomer. While the name sounds complex, the idea is fairly simple. The material can change its firmness when exposed to magnetic fields. By controlling magnets inside the controller, a game could increase or decrease the amount of pressure needed to press a button. This could open the door to a variety of gameplay effects. For example, a reload button could become harder to press if a weapon jams. A button might also stiffen during a difficult action to create a stronger sense of resistance. The patent also describes an even stranger feature. In one design, a player’s finger could slightly sink into a button before the button hardens around it. This would create the sensation that the controller is gripping the player’s finger. Image Source: WIPO While that may sound unusual, Sony suggests it could be used to simulate situations where a character becomes trapped, grabbed by an enemy, or stuck in mud. Instead of simply showing the event on screen, the controller would physically make it harder for the player to pull their finger away, adding another layer of immersion. Of course, it is important to remember that a patent does not guarantee a product will ever be released. Technology companies file patents for experimental ideas all the time, and many never make it beyond the concept stage. 650Would you buy a bare bones Steam Machine?Would you buy a variant of the Steam Machine with no RAM and/or no SSD and install them separately to help save on costs? No, I want the Steam Machine to be complete Yes, I would buy a RAM-less version Yes, I would buy an SSD-less version I'd buy a bare bones version with neither component About the Author Abdul Haddi Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware. Load More You can trust PC Guide Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here. Follow us Table of Contents Dynamic feel for the next PlayStation controller? 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