Sony invests in contactless technology to prevent PS6 controller failures
The biggest durability challenge faced by PlayStation 5 players, known as “stick drift”, may have its days numbered in the next generation. A recent patent, registered by Sony Interactive Entertainment, reveals that the company is exploring the replacement of conventional potentiometers in the controls of the future PlayStation 6 with joysticks equipped with magnetic sensors that operate without mechanical contact.
The technology detailed in the document describes a system that uses tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors, an innovation that stands out from existing magnetic solutions on the market. TMR promises high precision and, crucially for wireless peripherals, significantly lower power consumption, which translates into greater autonomy for gamers.
Despite the DualSense’s advanced features, such as immersive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the current generation of consoles still deal with the “stick drift” phenomenon. This problem manifests itself when the analogue registers movements on the screen even without being touched, resulting from the progressive physical wear of the electrical components that rub against carbon tracks inside the mechanism.
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Sony sought to mitigate this issue in the premium DualSense Edge version, offering the functionality to quickly change analogue modules. However, the control’s basic internal architecture remained vulnerable to the physical wear and tear inherent in the original design.
Titled “Operating Stick Assembly and Input Device”, the proposed patent completely eliminates friction between measuring parts. The new system is capable of interpreting the tilt of the lever using magnetic fields, ensuring that the sensor maintains its alignment and does not suffer deformation over prolonged use.
Learn more: PlayStation 6: Sony seeks to resolve wear on DualSense with new controller
Although the professional controls segment is transitioning to the use of Hall Effect sensors, Sony’s choice of TMR has direct advantages in optimizing battery usage. As it requires much less charge than standard magnetic modules, this technology appears to be the ideal option for the wireless ecosystem of the brand’s next console.
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In addition to the magnetic reading sensors, the technical text of the patent points to the implementation of mechanical improvements in the analog stick itself. A snapping mechanism and grooves in the control housing will prevent the lever from unintentionally rotating on its own axis when activated, channeling the player’s force exclusively into the tilting movement.
On the same topic: Sony patent indicates end to drift in PlayStation 6 controller with magnetic sensor
The project also includes a return system with repositioned springs to guarantee exact centering of the analog stick and a cylindrical structure for lateral pressure. This engineering is designed to eliminate lateral clearances and prevent internal vibrations from generating noise or interference in sensor readings over time.
The initiative by Sony’s gaming division signals a clear direction to resolve recurring flaws widely reported by the gaming community during the PlayStation 5 era. Unlike previous cycles, where the company prioritized potentiometers for reasons of cost, this move brings native hardware closer to solutions that are currently only found in customized modules on the alternative market.
It is important to note that registering a patent does not guarantee the immediate application of the technology in the final product to be sold at the launch of the PlayStation 6. However, the documentation confirms that the replacement of traditional analogues with low-energy magnetic sensors represents one of the main priorities of the Sony engineering team.
