Sony patent shows PlayStation's stab at a Wii U GamePad

The Wii U may be dead and buried but we haven’t forgotten about it yet, and neither has PlayStation developers Sony. With a new patent emerging, yet again, could this be PlayStation’s stab at the Wii U GamePad?

In a patent filed into the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) back in July 2019, PlayStation detailed a simplified standalone controller that could be used for external game purposes.

Much like the Wii U‘s controversial GamePad or the Dreamcast’s VMU, this PlayStation patent is a standalone controller with a screen attached. While the controls are simplified – consisting of just a D-Pad, face buttons, a gyroscope and an accelerator — there is an interactive screen included.

Sony’s patent shows the device with a variety of uses. Players would be able to listen to music, check your emails, watch TV and play single-player or multilayer games.

The device is designed as a multifunctional game controller for use at home and on the go. With the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor and heart rate monitor, PlayStation are certainly designing the product around multiple uses. The device can be used as a GPS with internet connectivity, a GPS and the ability to use it as a map.

It is possible that the project will be used as a companion device for the upcoming PlayStation 5. With the controller sharing many mechanics with the upcoming DualShock 5, it’s possible that PlayStation are looking at possible accessories for making PlayStation 5 a more freeform system.

With Playstation confirmed to be out of the portable gaming race for standalone systems, it’s possible that this technologically compact system will be an add-on for PlayStation 5.

Thanks to Let’sGoDigital for allowing us to use their awesome 3D Renders of the PlayStation patent. Check their article out here.