The next PlayStation controller could have buttons that light up

Key points

Sony recently filed a patent for the light controller buttons.
The design features lighting elements incorporated into all of the controller's input sources.
When a required gameplay action is detected, the controller highlights the input needed to complete the action, making games more accessible to a wider range of players.

In addition to a growing list of hardware design records, Sony has filed a technology patent for light-up controller buttons that could be implemented with its PlayStation DualSense controllers. Several dozen Sony patents have been filed in recent months, ranging from accessibility software to innovative hardware, and this latest publication once again gives the public a behind-the-scenes look at the Japanese conglomerate's research and development efforts.

Best known for the PlayStation family of consoles, Sony has registered a number of patents for video game technology over the years. Some of Sony's most notable video game patents have focused on implementing features to improve the gaming experience for its consumers, with a strong focus on accessibility. Following the same trend, this new controller patent from Sony seeks to once again make video games more welcoming for a wider range of players.

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According to a Sony patent published on November 14, the Japanese company is looking for ways to add light-up buttons to its lineup of video game controllers. The design features lighting elements incorporated into all input sources of the controller, including both joysticks, the directional pad and the face buttons. When a required gameplay action is detected, the controller will highlight the input needed to complete the action, allowing the user to better see which buttons they need to press. The design of this light-up controller is in line with similar efforts by Sony regarding accessibility, although there is currently no guarantee that it will ever be fully developed and released to the public.

Sony Lighting Controller Patent Details

Figures 3-6 of the Sony patent show how the light-up controller would help players know which buttons to press at any given time. The exploration sections would highlight the joysticks and D-pad, while the dialogue and action sections would highlight the face buttons. For novice players who are unfamiliar with the controller layout, the light-up buttons could help locate the correct inputs more easily. Similarly, blind gamers could benefit from light cues that improve the visibility of buttons on the controller, adding a greater degree of accessibility. While the light controller and other Sony video game hardware patents are very promising, fans will have to wait for an official announcement from the company before expecting to see any of these technological developments in stores.

With more and more companies prioritizing accessibility in video games, it's promising to see Sony continue to explore more welcoming hardware designs in its research and development efforts. Interested players will want to stay tuned for any updates on the lighting controller and other exciting things Sony patents.