Sony files a new patent that would let gamers use their controllers as a point-of-sale (POS) system, meaning that folks would be able to make purchases via their controller in a more direct, presumably quicker way. The patent specifies a PS5 DualSense controller, but if such technology were applied, it would almost certainly apply to the forthcoming PS6 console as well. And although not all patents are made reality, with no indication yet that this one will be either, it’s concerning in a day and age where PlayStation argues that digital ownership is “impossible.”
The important context here lies in how players have a transactional relationship with their PS5 consoles. As it stands, any digital purchase requires numerous inputs to agree to and make payments: going to the store, checking payment methods (already mostly bypassed), agreeing to terms, etc. Depending on how it is applied, this system could potentially bypass most, if not all of that eventually, and let players make one-press purchases directly through their controller. This patent specifies that smartphones are required to do so with a PS5 DualSense controller, but that might not be the case/plans with the PS6 controller.
PS5/PS6 Controllers Become a Direct Payment Method
As first reported by Insider Gaming, a new Sony patent aims to let players make payments directly from their PS5 controllers and thus bypass a lot of the aforementioned inputs. Arguably, this lower “wall”—even if only slightly lower—could potentially drive more impulse purchases for microtransactions and the like. The patent dictates that players must have their smartphone close to the DualSense controller, with a prompt then appearing on the smartphone to complete a payment; such a transaction would then apply on the console. In other words, right now the patent requires both a controller and a smartphone to work, but that might not be the case for future concepts where controllers are payment methods.
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For example, one of the images shows a PS5 DualSense controller being used to purchase a gift card on a console directly via a card. An external payment method may be required for a PS5 controller, but a possible end goal of this technology would be to do so without a smartphone. It would not be surprising, then, if this technology were implemented for the PS6 controller to be a “smart device” capable of accessing payment methods and data to tear down the wall between gamers and microtransactions entirely.
As it stands, the patent essentially makes the controller a go-between for a smart device and a PS5 console, but eliminating friction would be how this technology evolves, if it does, meaning removing unnecessary items (the smart device, in this case). One-click payments with blanket agreement purchases could be easily manipulated. It bears repeating: not all patents are realized, not all patents evolve beyond their obvious point of entry, and all inventions are hopefully regulated to the best for consumers and companies.
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Needless to say, though, PlayStation is under increasing scrutiny for how its transactional relationship with customers evolves from here on. Many fans are already upset that PlayStation is ending disc production in January 2028, and growing technology that makes one-click payments theoretically possible for PS5 and/or PS65 consoles feels like a red flag.
