Sony Files Patent for Fully Touchscreen PlayStation Controller

The conceptual design replaces physical buttons with a predictive display.

Summary

• Sony has filed a patent for a controller featuring a full touchscreen interface
• The design allows users to resize and reposition inputs on the display to suit their preference
• Pressure and heat sensors are integrated to prevent accidental triggers during gameplay

Sony Interactive Entertainment continues to push the boundaries of gaming hardware, recently filing a patent for a fully touchscreen PlayStation controller that completely eliminates traditional buttons. The filing, originally submitted in 2023 and made public in early 2026, outlines a device capable of dynamically adapting its interface to suit different users and gameplay styles.

The core of the patent addresses the limitations of fixed hardware configurations, noting that standard controllers may not accommodate all hand sizes comfortably. To solve this, the proposed device replaces the directional pad, face buttons, and joysticks with a singular touch surface. This allows users to resize, reposition, or remove inputs entirely — such as enlarging action buttons for fighting games or shifting the D-pad for ergonomic preference.

Beyond simple customization, the document details sophisticated sensor technology designed to replicate the tactile reliability of physical inputs. The concept integrates pressure and heat sensors to distinguish between intentional presses and accidental contact, ensuring that resting fingers do not trigger in-game actions. Additionally, the system describes an identification feature that recognizes the user holding the device, instantly loading their preferred button layout without manual calibration.

While the existence of a patent does not guarantee a consumer release, the technology suggests Sony is exploring radical shifts in design potentially aimed at the PlayStation 6 era.