Sony patented a controller whose buttons become stiffer if you fiddle with them

The player's finger will also be able to literally "sink" into the button, after which its surface will harden around it.

Sony has patented an unusual game controller whose buttons can change their stiffness and tactile feel depending on what's happening on the screen. The technology could be the next step in the evolution of PlayStation's signature features after the introduction of adaptive triggers and advanced haptic feedback in DualSense.

As revealed in a recently published patent application filed by the company with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) back in November 2024, Sony is exploring the possibility of creating a controller with dynamically changing button resistance. The document was officially published in May 2026.

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According to the patent description, the stiffness of the buttons will be adjusted both depending on in-game events and user preferences. For this, a magneto-viscoelastic elastomer is proposed – a special material capable of becoming harder or softer under the influence of a magnetic field.

The strength of the magnetic field will be changed programmatically and depend on in-game actions. For example, buttons can become stiffer in tense situations or, conversely, softer when performing certain actions. In one of the design options, Sony also considers using fluid-filled membranes to achieve a similar effect.

Another concept from the patent looks particularly remarkable. It suggests that the player's finger will be able to literally "sink" into the button, after which its surface will harden around it. Potentially, such a function could simulate a character being grabbed by an enemy, getting stuck in mud, or other in-game situations, enhancing the immersion effect.