The PS6 controller could eliminate stick drift by using magnetic joysticks

Sony has been cooking up something new for its next-gen PlayStation controller. A newly published Sony patent suggests the PlayStation 6 controller might ditch the physical potentiometers responsible for years of DualSense stick drift complaints, swapping them out for magnetic sensors instead.

As spotted by Cheat Happens and confirmed via WIPO's patent database, the filing describes an operating stick assembly that uses a non-contact tilting sensor to detect stick movement, paired with spring-based return mechanics and stabilization structures meant to keep the stick centered over time.

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Since there's no physical contact point left to wear down, the design should, in theory, hold up far longer than the sticks currently packed into Sony's DualSense controller, which have been a source of persistent stick drift complaints since the PS5 launched back in 2020. Stick drift is notoriously hard to prevent and fix, so a design that eliminates contact altogether is the best bet to work around it.

The patent points to TMR, or Tunnel Magnetoresistance, sensors specifically, the same category of tech Sony apparently wants to bring to its next controller. TMR sticks are already showing up on third-party pads like the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, which uses similar magnetic sensing to cut drift while sipping less power than Hall effect alternatives, useful for anything running off a battery.

Sony has dabbled with magnetic sticks before. The PS3's Sixaxis and early DualShock 3 units used Hall effect sticks before the company switched back to potentiometers, so this wouldn't be uncharted territory. It also isn't the first PS6-related fix Sony has floated for the DualSense's original flaws.

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The DualSense Edge already lets players swap out worn stick modules on the current-gen pad, and a separate recent patent hinted the PS6 could scrap the console's liquid metal cooling altogether for a vapor-based system, another attempt at fixing a hardware problem that's dogged Sony this generation.

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Of course, this isn't officially confirmed to be coming. Patents get filed for all sorts of ideas that never make it into a shipping product, and Sony hasn't said anything officially about what controller tech the PS6 will use. Still, coming right after a separate patent describing modular, touchscreen-equipped PS6 controller inputs, it looks like Sony is actively rethinking the DualSense from the ground up.

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Question #1

What evidence does the article cite that Sony filed a patent for magnetic joysticks for the PS6 controller?

The article cites a newly published Sony patent (linked via WIPO's patent database, doc WO2026143037) that describes an operating stick assembly using a non-contact tilting sensor, spring return mechanics, and stabilization structures. It also notes the patent specifically points to TMR, or Tunnel Magnetoresistance, sensors and that the discovery was spotted by Cheat Happens and confirmed via WIPO's database.

Answered

Question #2

Which third-party controller mentioned uses magnetic TMR thumbsticks similar to the patent's design?

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is mentioned as a third-party controller that uses TMR magnetic thumbsticks similar to the patent's design.

Answered

Question #3

Has Sony used magnetic or non-contact stick sensing in past PlayStation controllers?

Yes. The article says Sony "dabbled with magnetic sticks before," noting the PS3 Sixaxis and early DualShock 3 units used Hall effect sticks, which are magnetic/non-contact sensors. The company later switched back to potentiometers.

Answered

Question #4

How does the patent propose to keep the stick centered over time without physical potentiometers?

The patent describes replacing contact potentiometers with non-contact tilting sensors, specifically TMR magnetic sensors, to detect stick movement. It pairs those sensors with spring-based return mechanics and stabilization structures to keep the stick centered over time.

Answered

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If the magnetic sticks make the cut, it would be a meaningful upgrade for anyone who's gone through a DualSense or two due to stick drift issues. Consumers can probably expect the usual wait, since Sony rarely confirms hardware specifics until closer to launch, and the PS6 itself isn't expected until sometime in 2027.