PlayStation Players May Soon be Able to Use Their Phones as a Second Screen

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Key Takeaways

  • Sony’s new patent hints at a new feature that would allow players to connect their phone to a PlayStation controller or console using a wired connection.
  • The phone would be used as a second screen that could give the player live in-game hints based on their performance.
  • It’s unclear when or if this feature will be released.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I have witnessed the evolution of gaming consoles from their humble beginnings to the powerhouses they are today. The news of Sony potentially allowing players to use their phones as a second screen for PlayStation games has me reminiscing about the good old days when we used to play Nintendo games with our GameBoy screens.

As per a recently submitted patent, it seems Sony could be considering a feature that allows PlayStation gamers to utilize their phones as an additional screen for a more immersive gaming experience on their consoles. Historically, Sony has been exploring innovative ways to upgrade the gaming experience on their PlayStation systems, with previous patents hinting at adaptable difficulty systems based on players’ in-game performance and the option to replay specific sections following a primary game completion.

Several of these Sony patents focus on improvements for PlayStation controllers, such as a potential spherical model designed for use in VR games like “Horizon: Call of the Mountain”, or innovative technology that adjusts a controller’s temperature to enhance immersion within gaming environments. Some patents hint at future additions like a button for rewinding gameplay, marking specific sections to revisit, and software that anchors game controls on-screen for easier memorization. The most recent Sony patent proposes a feature reminiscent of Nintendo’s design: a secondary screen.

This month, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. submitted a patent for a novel PlayStation function, enabling users to link their smartphone to a PlayStation controller or console via a wired connection. The patent includes diagrams depicting this functionality in action. In the proposed setup, the phone serves as a secondary screen, offering real-time in-game tips tailored to the player’s performance. For instance, it could provide information about an enemy’s vulnerable spot or instructions for performing maneuvers like dodging and executing special attacks.

Sony Patent Hints at Phone Being Used as a Second Screen

Just as with any other patent, there’s no assurance that Sony will actually implement the proposed connectivity between their controller and phone. However, it is currently feasible to sync a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller with Android devices or iPhones for playing games streamed on these gadgets via PS Remote Play. This functionality can serve as an economical alternative to the PlayStation Portal controller, which employs an LED screen to allow users to stream games from their PS5 library over Wi-Fi without needing a separate device.

If Sony decides to utilize their recent patent and enable mobile phones as an additional screen for PlayStation games, it might pave the way for various gaming functions beyond providing assistance during challenging levels. Similar to Nintendo’s old DS devices or the discontinued Wii U, this second screen could potentially support touchscreen controls that could enhance the overall gaming experience. However, whether these features materialize remains uncertain, especially given ongoing speculation suggesting that Sony is developing a new PlayStation handheld console.

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2024-12-10 19:37