It has been expected that the PS5 would feature a lightly updated DualShock controller with added tactile feedback capabilities. However, a new design discovery reveals that the PS5 controller may offer much more than that.

Respawnfirst (via GamesRadar) discovered a patent created by Sony in February 2018 and published by the USPTO on February 20, detailing a "biofeedback sensor for a controller."

The illustrations in that patent (included below) show how these sensors can partially or completely cover the front or back of the controller handle (the patent also considers sensors attached to buttons). These sensors slide into the controller's handle or are secured with a Velcro-like object and connect to a micro-USB port on the back of the DualShock 4. The sensors measure skin electrical activity and can tell the processor how much the hand sweats in response to stimuli during the game. The patent also suggests the use of other sensors, such as heart rate, that can estimate a player's response.

This information is sent via USB cable or Bluetooth to an "output unit," where it is processed into a format that developers can work with. This allows them to rank the intensity of the fear response to a horror game, adjust the experience accordingly, and interpret which choices the player wants to make at junctures in the game's narrative.

Alternatively, the feature could detect that a player is using a non-functional button in a particular game and communicate this to the player. The system could also work with the PlayStation's camera for even more data.

As the patent text explains: "In computer games, it is desired to provide an immersive and highly interactive experience of play to enhance the player's enjoyment." He then points out that because peripherals are prohibitively expensive, few players purchase them and few developers add features to their games that take advantage of them. Therefore, it is hoped that accessories such as this sensor, which can be added to existing controllers at a low cost, will help correct this self-defeating cycle.

While it may seem a bit invasive, the research that Sony needs to take now that immersive experiences like VR are slowly becoming more prevalent seems obvious. Of course, this is just a patent, and any commercial products that emerge from it may only appear, perhaps long after the PS5 is released.

If you want to get in on the gaming action right now, the PlayStation 4 Pro is your best bet. You can get a PSVR headset for virtual reality gaming, but even with just a standard controller, you can enjoy 4K gaming with the best PS4 games.