As first reported by Exputer (opens in new tab), Sony has published a patent (opens in new tab) for a new controller that solves perhaps the biggest problem in gaming: "Controllers used for purposes such as gaming typically include relatively deformation-resistant materials such as plastic . containing a material that is not easily deformable." In 2014, when I snapped the plastic panel of my DualShock 3 after my 12th near-death to Belfry Gargoyle in "Dark Souls 2," my problem was absolutely that the controller was not "deformable" enough.

The solution, of course, is "a controller that includes a sensor using an elastically deformable elastic member, which detects user contact with the elastic member or deformation action of the elastic member, and outputs an electrical signal based on the detected contact or deformation action."

Essentially, the patent appears to propose making the PlayStation controller's distinctive protruding grip out of a reshapable elastic material. The document refers to this new feature as an "elastic member," and the new construction could theoretically reduce the controller's rumbling and... . would provide better tactile feedback, such as temperature changes.

"The shape and hardness of the part of the elastic member (grip) would change according to the processing performed by the game or other information processing device, thus making it possible, for example, to present the material of a virtual object in the game space to the user as a tactile sensation, or to present the temperature of a virtual object as a warm or cold sensation, etc. This makes it possible, for example, to present the material of a virtual object in the game space to the user as a tactile sensation, or to present the temperature of a virtual object as a warm or cool sensation.

Entering a lava level or taking fire damage could cause the controller in one's hand to become hot. I don't mean to be a downer, but my hands are already sweating after a long day of play. This is not the only most perplexing suggestion contained in the patent. Under the heading "[tearing and sticking actions]," the patent states:

"The action of separating the elastic member into parts containing at least one circuit part and returning the parts to their original form (joining) by tearing off the parts or sticking the separated elastic members together, can be recognized by providing multiple circuit parts on the elastic member. The action of tearing off the portions or attaching the separated elastic members and returning them to their original shape (joining) can be made recognizable by providing multiple circuit sections in the elastic member. As the elastic member described above, a self-healing material ... may be used.

"In this example, the circuit sections in the elastic member can communicate with each other to recognize separation and joining according to changes in the distance between them."

Unless my eyes deceive me, I am being described as a destructible, malleable controller made of space-age goo, like the one that gets hot in Geralt's hand while he soaks in the bathtub in The Witcher 3: The Next Next Generation Edition . The whole idea feels to me like a solution in search of a problem, reminiscent of the PlayStation 3's 6-axis controls, the Vita's rear touchscreen, or the Nintendo Switch's HD rumble.

These controller gimmicks were marketing bullet points at the time of each console's launch, but were rarely used thereafter. On the other hand, the characteristics of a truly desirable game controller remain simple and unsexy things like quality, battery life, and ergonomics, and the best controllers ever made are still the good old grandpa mouse and keyboard, repurposed old office equipment It's what it's made of.

Of course, we may never see this product; take a look at the hinged, bendable joystick (opens in new tab) filed by Nintendo in 2019. Meanwhile, Sony itself still holds a patent for a television that forces verbal interaction to end a commercial (opens in new tab), a cornerstone of the Darkest Timeline.

PC Gamer staffers are divided on the matter. My colleague, Executive Editor Tyler Wilde, insists that he would "love to have a gooey DualShock," but I hope the "Gooal Shock 6" goes into the dustbin of history along with the other ideas.