Sony has recently been granted a patent for a unique game controller that can change its shape and temperature while being used. The controller can detect when a player is touching, pressing, twisting, pinching, squeezing, or rubbing it through a sensor that uses an elastically deformable "elastic member." This allows the grips to change shape or hardness using a magnetic fluid mixed into the material of the elastic member.
The patent mentions that the "shape or hardness of the portions of the elastic members (grips) changes in response to a process performed by the information processing apparatus such as a game, which makes it possible, for example, to present the material of a virtual object in a game space to the user as a haptic sensation, present the temperature of the virtual object as a warm/cold sense, or the like."
This innovation could revolutionize the gaming experience as players would be able to feel the virtual environment in a more immersive way. The patent also suggests that the temperature could change even further the more a user squeezes and deforms the controller.
Sony's patent also describes a way in which parts or sections of a controller could be torn off and stuck back together again. This would presumably require a game specifically designed to take advantage of such an unusual feature.
While the idea of a thermoelectric heat pump in a controller sounds interesting, it's important to note that this is just a patent, and not a confirmed product yet. Companies often file patents for designs that never become actual products. However, if this controller does reach the market, it would likely be more appealing to gamers who don't always embrace major redesigns. Additionally, its price may be higher than that of the PlayStation DualSense Edge.
Sony's innovative patent shows how technology is pushing the boundaries of what we expect from gaming controllers. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect even more unique and exciting innovations to come.
