Picture a DualSense controller featuring a removable touchscreen — that’s Sony’s newest concept.

      A recently published patent has unveiled a modular controller that includes a detachable display, magnetic controls, and a rotating dial.

      For a company that has already introduced adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and interchangeable thumbsticks, Sony seems to be continuing its innovations with the controller. A newly released PlayStation patent indicates that the company is investigating a modular controller with a detachable touchscreen, magnetic elements, and a rotating navigation dial. While there is no assurance that this will become a commercial product, it stands out as one of Sony's more ambitious controller concepts to date.

      A DualSense… but significantly more modular

      The patent describes a controller that replaces the standard DualSense touchpad with a smaller detachable touchscreen, capable of displaying console menus, settings, notifications, and messages. Unlike traditional screens, this one could also function like a smartphone touchscreen and might even be physically clickable. Interestingly, both the display and the navigation dial can be magnetically positioned in various locations on the controller, allowing users to tailor the setup according to their preferences.

      The rotating dial is designed for more than just visual appeal; Sony suggests that it could facilitate fast browsing of menus, navigation of settings, and confirmation of choices with a click, which could simplify the adjustment of console options without disrupting gameplay. The patent also implies that the controller may show incoming calls and messages, automatically pausing the game if the player opts to engage with those notifications.

      Moreover, as pointed out by MP1st, the modular design aims to let players customize the arrangement of input components based on their personal preferences, rather than being restricted to the conventional fixed layout seen in most controllers. This concept integrates a controller body, detachable input modules, a graphical interface, and a rotating control system into one customizable device.

      Don’t expect it to be released soon

      This concept aligns well with Sony’s recent trajectory. With products like the Access Controller and DualSense Edge, the company has been enhancing players' options for customizing their gameplay. A modular controller could represent a logical advancement, allowing gamers to reposition controls to better accommodate various games or simply what feels most comfortable.

      That said, this remains merely a patent, and history has demonstrated that many ambitious ideas do not reach the market. Nonetheless, it is certainly an intriguing concept. If nothing else, it indicates that Sony is still seeking to innovate beyond the conventional gamepad, which is always a positive development.

      Varun is an experienced technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer tech media. His work spans…

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