Sony Patents PlayStation Controller That Could Let You Tap Your Phone or Card to Make Payments

If you have ever wanted to buy something on PlayStation without fighting with an on-screen keyboard, Sony may have a rather interesting idea in the works. A newly published patent, first spotted by Patentlyze, describes a PlayStation controller that can receive payment information from a nearby phone or card and pass it to the console (via GamesRadar).

Your phone could become the shortcut to PlayStation payments

The patent titled “Video Game Controller-Driven Information Transfer” hints at a basic idea where console needs payment information, then controller can look for a nearby device. Sony describes several ways it could detect that device, including NFC, Bluetooth or physical contact.

The controller can then send out a signal, with the phone responding to confirm that it has received it. Payment information can subsequently be sent from the phone to the controller and then forwarded to the PlayStation console.

Image credit: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

The patent specifically discusses payment information including credit accounts, bank accounts, gift cards, digital wallets and crypto wallets. It also describes purchases such as games, gaming credits and in-app purchases.

It’s not just phones, by the way. Interestingly, the patent also hints about getting payment information directly from a physical card, including a credit card or gift card, by bringing it into contact with the controller. Sony shows an example where the console confirms that a gift card has been received.

It isn’t only about buying games

Payment is one use, but Sony’s patent goes much further. One example involves using a phone to help log a player into a console or multiplayer game. That could make guest logins considerably less annoying, especially when someone is using another person’s PlayStation.

The patent also shows a controller using signals such as sound, light or vibration to indicate that a nearby device has been detected. In the patent, Sony notes that the idea is to simplify the number of steps and devices involved in these operations. But there is no indication that this technology is coming to the PS5, PS6 or any specific controller.

As always with a patent, this is an idea Sony has protected, and isn’t a confirmed PlayStation feature just yet. So, take these details with a grain of salt. More recently, a Sony patent was spotted, which walks us through ambitious idea of PlayStation consoles fixing themselves using AI.