Sony has filed a new patent allowing players to use their controller as a point-of-sale (POS) system, meaning people can complete purchases more directly and quickly through the controller. The patent specifically mentions the PS5's DualSense controller, but if this technology is implemented, it will almost certainly apply to the upcoming PS6 console as well. Although not all patents become reality and there are currently no signs that this one will be implemented, it remains concerning given PlayStation's recent claims that digital ownership is "impossible." An important context here is the transaction relationship between players and the PS5 console. Currently, any digital purchase requires significant input to agree to and complete payment: entering the store, checking payment methods, agreeing to terms, etc. Depending on how it is implemented, this system could eventually bypass most or even all of these steps, allowing players to make one-click purchases directly through the controller.
As first reported by Insider Gaming, a new Sony patent aims to allow players to make payments directly through the PS5 controller, bypassing the numerous input steps mentioned above. This lower "barrier"—even if only slightly lower—could encourage more impulse purchases such as microtransactions. The patent stipulates that players must bring their smartphone close to the DualSense controller, after which a prompt will appear on the phone to complete the payment; the transaction is then applied to the console. In other words, the current patent requires both the controller and a smartphone to work together, but future concepts may not require the controller to rely on this setup. For instance, one image shows the PS5 DualSense controller being used directly to purchase gift cards on the console via card payment. While the PS5 controller may currently require an external payment method, the ultimate goal of this technology could be to operate without a smartphone. Therefore, it would not be surprising if this technology were applied to the PS6 controller, turning it into a "smart device" capable of accessing payment methods and data, thereby completely eliminating the barrier between players and microtransactions.
For now, the patent essentially turns the controller into an intermediary between a smart device and the PS5 console, but if this technology continues to evolve, the direction will be toward reducing friction by removing unnecessary steps. One-click payments combined with blanket consent for purchases could easily be manipulated.
It is worth noting: not all patents come to fruition, and not all go beyond their initial scope. All inventions hope for regulations that are most beneficial to consumers and businesses. Undoubtedly, PlayStation is facing increasing scrutiny regarding how its customer transaction relationships will evolve in the future. Many fans are already dissatisfied with PlayStation's decision to cease disc production in January 2028, and the ongoing development of technology that theoretically enables one-click payments on PS5 and/or PS6 consoles feels more like a red flag.