Summary

• A recent Sony patent hints at a solar-powered PlayStation controller designed to reduce recharging frequency.
• The controller might incorporate “photovoltaic elements” for solar energy charging.
• This concept is not yet confirmed for production.

Sony is reportedly investigating the development of solar-powered PlayStation controllers to mitigate the necessity of frequent recharging. As indicated by a recently published patent, there are possibilities of integrating solar panels into the design.

The PS5’s DualSense controller, unveiled in November 2020 alongside the PS5 console, introduced innovative technologies such as adaptive triggers that enhance gameplay by adjusting tension in response to in-game actions. Furthermore, features like haptic feedback and motion controls augment user experiences. Not all games leverage these new mechanics, but titles such as Astro Bot have demonstrated the DualSense’s capabilities.

Should this solar-powered feature materialize, it might ease some of the criticisms surrounding the DualSense’s battery life, particularly during extended gaming sessions.

Despite the potential benefits, Sony has not officially acknowledged the development of such a controller, and many patents ultimately do not reach production. While exciting, this concept is currently speculative.