Sony has patented a technology that could turn the DualSense into a relay for contactless payments. This could allow users to purchase digital games and other content by simply tapping a bank card or another device containing payment information against the controller.
The patent application was filed back in March 2025, but it was only made public recently. The document describes a system that would allow the controller to transfer payment information between the user's device and a PlayStation console.
The system could detect a nearby device using NFC, Bluetooth, or even physical contact. Once a device is detected, the controller could notify the user about the transaction through haptic feedback, sound, light, or a combination of these methods.
«Video game players find it convenient to store payment method information and account credentials, such as credit card details, bank account information, gift cards, digital wallet credentials, crypto wallet credentials, and related account information, in order to simplify and manage purchases of video games, game credits, in-game purchases, and the like», — the patent states.
Another section of the document describes how payment information could be transferred:
«In response to receiving a message from an electronic device, a first message is sent containing payment method information for a video game player associated with the video game controller, and a second message containing information about the payment method is sent from the video game controller to the game console».
Sony has not confirmed that it plans to implement the technology in production controllers. However, such a system could make it easier to purchase digital games, expansions, and in-game content on PlayStation.
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