People, including us, have complained about the technology included in the old Move controllers and how clunky it feels sometimes when picking up things in VR games. The last time we suffered these issues was with the Inpatient (you can read our review for more on how and why). With that in mind, many have asked whether Sony will ever launch a new controller for PlayStation VR? While we don't know for sure, we can at least say that they are trying new ideas, as a new patent reveals.
The first model is a one-handed device, not so different to the Move controller, but with a lot more input buttons. There is a prominent analog stick on the top at the front, and it's surrounded by buttons with different shapes as well as a big trigger on the back. It also includes both light and optical sensors to tracks the position of the fingers. Combined with a "reaction force generator" that presses or pushes the palm of the player's hand, this controller could offer bidirectional interaction. There is also a microphone, a strap, and speaker.
With one of those in each hand, it could replace both Move and the DualShock at a time. The patent was filed by SIE Japan in 2016 and published earlier this month according to a report by VR Focus. As usual, these kinds of patents could lead to a new product or just stay unused forever. We'll just have to wait and see.