PS5 controller features an in-built microphone and “tactile stimulation” tech, according to new patent

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The PS5 controller could feature its own in-built microphone for voice command, headset-free party chat, and more, according to a newly discovered patent (opens in new tab) from Sony Interactive Entertainment. 

First spotted by a user on Reddit (opens in new tab), the patent for the controller was filed with the WIPO earlier last year, but has only now just become available for public viewing, and reveals that PlayStation has developed ideas for a game pad with its own microphone sat on the front face of the device itself. 

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PS5 specs (opens in new tab) – what’s inside the next-generation PlayStation console?

This corroborates with previously leaked patents and images of the DualShock 5 (opens in new tab), which have also suggested that the next-gen controller could include a larger touch pad, back buttons (opens in new tab), and backwards compatibility with the PS (opens in new tab)4. 

That said, it’s worth remembering that a filed patent is by no means confirmation that Sony is going ahead and developing this technology for the DualShock 5, and it’s entirely possible that this information and associated sketch (which looks nothing like a PlayStation controller) could be for another Sony product altogether. 

That said, the stage is set for a big PlayStation Meeting (opens in new tab) in February, with rumours that Sony plans to fully unveil the PS5 within the next few weeks, so we’ll find out soon enough either way. Relatedly, PlayStation has confirmed it won’t be attending E3 2020 (opens in new tab) this year, once again abstaining from the convention to leave Microsoft as the largest presence on the show floor. The silver lining? You can expect a hell of a lot more Xbox Series X (opens in new tab) news this summer. 

For more, check out more upcoming PS4 games (opens in new tab) for 2020 and beyond, or watch our latest episode of Dialogue Options below.