Sony Could Bring Contactless Payments to PlayStation Controllers

Sony is working on a new technology that could change how PlayStation users purchase games and digital content. A new patent filed by the company describes a system that would allow a PlayStation controller to wirelessly receive payment information from credit cards, smartphones, or gift cards.

The patent does not mean that a new controller is ready to launch. However, it shows that Sony is exploring different ways to make payments and information transfers on its gaming consoles more convenient.

PlayStation Controller Could Become a Payment Terminal

Sony's patent application, titled “Video Game Controller-Driven Information Transfer,” describes a system that can transfer information from nearby devices to the controller. Technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth are included in the proposed system.

The basic idea is simple: when users want to make a payment, they could bring their phone or a supported card close to the controller. The controller would receive the necessary information and transfer it to the PlayStation console, where the transaction could be completed.

This could eliminate the need to manually enter long card numbers using the virtual keyboard when purchasing games or content from the PlayStation Store.

Smartphones and Credit Cards Could Be Supported

The patent is not limited to credit cards. Sony's design also includes smartphones, gift cards, and different digital payment methods.

For example, when a user wants to purchase a game through the PlayStation Store, they could simply bring their smartphone close to the controller. The controller would receive the required information from the phone and transfer it to the console.

The patent also describes scenarios where gift cards could be detected and their remaining balance displayed on the screen.

Some implementations could also support methods such as QR codes and digital wallets stored on smartphones.

More Than Just Game Purchases

Sony's patent does not limit the system to PlayStation Store payments.

Potential applications include in-game purchases, digital content, game credits, and payments associated with different events or services.

The patent also describes scenarios involving the transfer of user and account information through the controller. For example, another player's phone could potentially be brought close to the controller to join a console or transfer specific user information.

Could This Become a New DualSense Feature?

The patent illustrations show a console and controller design resembling the existing PlayStation ecosystem. However, this does not mean that the technology will be added to current DualSense controllers.

The proposed system may require NFC or similar communication hardware inside the controller. If Sony decides to implement the technology commercially, it could therefore appear in a future controller design.

Sony has not announced that this technology will become a commercial product.

How Could the Contactless Payment System Work?

The system described in Sony's patent could work roughly as follows:

1. The user wants to purchase a product from the PlayStation Store.

2. The console requests payment information.

3. The user brings a smartphone, card, or another supported payment method close to the controller.

4. The controller detects the required information through NFC or Bluetooth.

5. The information is transferred to the console.

6. The console verifies the transaction and completes the purchase.

The patent also describes possible feedback through the controller's lights, sounds, or vibration to indicate whether the transaction was successful.

Will Sony Actually Use This Feature?

The most important distinction here is between a patent and an actual product. Filing a patent does not mean that Sony will necessarily introduce the feature in a new PlayStation console or controller.

Companies regularly file patents for technologies that may be used in future products, while many patented ideas never become commercial products.

Therefore, at this stage, it would be more accurate to say that Sony has patented a system for contactless information and payment transfers through a PlayStation controller, rather than claiming that contactless payments are definitely coming to the next PlayStation controller.

Sony's new patent suggests that PlayStation controllers could eventually become more than accessories designed solely for gaming. With technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth, a controller could potentially become a convenient connection point for payments, account transfers, and communication with other devices.

For game and in-game content purchases, bringing a phone or card close to the controller could offer a more convenient alternative to manually entering payment details.

However, it is still unknown when or whether this technology will be introduced to the PS5, PS6, or another future PlayStation product. For now, Sony's contactless payment concept remains at the patent stage.