Sony has filed a striking new patent that outlines a “buttonless” controller design, replacing traditional inputs with touchscreens.
The filing, made public on 27 January 2026, shows a gamepad concept in which the d-pads, face buttons, and thumbsticks are replaced by two large touch panels separated by a central push button. The design immediately raises speculation that it could be an early prototype for the PlayStation 6, though patents often remain experimental.
Unlike the familiar DualSense, this concept allows players to customise their controls entirely. Inputs such as buttons or sticks could be resized, repositioned, and even overlapped on the touchscreen, offering a level of flexibility that fixed layouts cannot match.
Sony’s documentation highlights accessibility as a key motivation, noting that current controllers can feel uncomfortable for users with different hand sizes. A dynamic interface could solve that by adapting to individual needs without requiring multiple hardware versions.
The idea builds on Sony’s history of controller innovation. The PS5’s DualSense introduced adaptive triggers and advanced haptics, while the Access controller focused on inclusivity. A touchscreen-based design would continue that trajectory, though it raises questions about tactile feedback.
Physical buttons provide resistance and muscle memory that many players rely on, and replicating that sensation on a flat surface would be a major challenge. Sony may need to integrate advanced haptics or pressure-sensitive technology to make the experience feel natural.
Industry watchers have noted that modular and touchscreen controllers are becoming more common across gaming. Companies are exploring ways to make hardware more adaptable, whether through swappable parts or customisable layouts. Sony’s patent suggests the company is keen to stay ahead of that curve, even if the design never reaches production.
The prospect of a controller that can be tailored to their exact preferences is enticing, though scepticism remains about whether such a radical departure from buttons could truly replace decades of muscle memory.
Finally, while this patent may never evolve into a retail product, it signals Sony’s willingness to rethink the fundamentals of console input. If realised, it could redefine how players interact with games, blending accessibility with innovation in a way that could set the tone for the next generation of PlayStation hardware.
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