Sony's PS6 controller could feature a touchscreen display and fully modular inputs, according to a new patent

Sony has filed a patent for a modular gamepad that replaces the DualSense's touchpad with a small touchscreen. The patent describes a controller built around a four-by-seven magnetic grid that allows individual input modules, including thumbsticks, directional controls, and the touchscreen itself, to be repositioned anywhere on the controller.

The touchscreen module would handle notifications, quick menu access, settings navigation, and messages, controlled through a rotating dial built into the module. The patent also mentions phone pairing, with incoming calls potentially appearing on the controller display, though it remains unclear how these features would work in practice.

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The modular design could also set Sony's next-generation controller apart from others on the market. Rather than a fixed layout, players could theoretically rearrange inputs to suit their grip, the game they're playing, or their accessibility needs. Sony has already explored similar ideas with the PS5 Access controller, and this patent appears to bring that philosophy to a more mainstream gamepad.

In practice, the modular design could improve both accessibility and customisation. Players could rearrange inputs to suit their grip or adapt the layout for different games. The biggest challenge would likely be ensuring the magnetic modules stay firmly in place during gameplay.

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When Sony launched the DualSense, it delivered what is still arguably the most feature-packed controller on the market. With adaptive triggers, advanced haptic feedback, a built-in microphone, and a touchpad that is actually used in games, Sony has already explored many of the obvious hardware innovations. If this patent is any indication, modularity and a built-in touchscreen could be the next direction the company takes with its PS6 controller.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Question #1

How does the four-by-seven magnetic grid let players reposition thumbsticks and other modules on the controller?

The controller uses a four-by-seven magnetic grid as a base so individual input modules, such as thumbsticks, directional controls, and the touchscreen, attach magnetically and can be moved to different positions on the controller. This lets players rearrange the inputs anywhere on the grid to suit their grip, the game they are playing, or accessibility needs, with the patent noting the main challenge would be ensuring the magnetic modules stay firmly in place during gameplay.

Answered

Question #2

What functions would the touchscreen module handle according to the patent?

According to the patent, the touchscreen module would handle notifications, quick menu access, settings navigation, and messages, with those controls managed via a rotating dial built into the module. The patent also mentions phone pairing, with incoming calls potentially appearing on the controller display.

Answered

Question #3

Could the touchscreen show incoming phone calls and how does the patent describe phone pairing?

Yes. The patent says the touchscreen module would handle notifications and that incoming calls could potentially appear on the controller display. The patent also mentions phone pairing but does not describe how pairing would work or how call handling would operate in practice.

Answered

Question #4

How might the modular layout improve accessibility compared to the PS5 Access controller?

The modular layout could improve accessibility by letting players rearrange individual inputs and the touchscreen to suit their grip or adapt the control layout for different games. This approach extends the accessibility philosophy Sony explored with the PS5 Access controller to a more mainstream, fully modular gamepad.

Answered

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That said, companies file patents all the time, and most never become commercial products. Sony has not confirmed that this design is intended for the PS6 or any other device, and it could just as easily end up in a future DualSense revision, a handheld system, or never make it to market at all.