Sony is working on a new device that will help developers make better use of the PS5's haptic feedback

Key things

A Sony patent describes a hand strap with haptic feedback to help game developers use the PlayStation 5 controller.
The device allows developers to experience haptic feedback vibrations without having to pick up the controller to test.
Sony continues to focus on haptic feedback technology.

According to a newly published patent from Sonythe Japanese tech giant is developing a handheld device that would help game developers take advantage of the haptic feedback capabilities of the PlayStation 5 controller. Sony has filed a number of software and hardware patents in recent months, giving viewers a glimpse of research and development efforts that could shape the future of gaming.

The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller and its haptic feedback features have recently gained attention with the launch Astro Bot and other titles that focus heavily on implementing these unique device features. As more game developers look for ways to use haptic feedback in their titles, Sony is working to make it easier for studios and their teams to take advantage of these immersive features.

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A patent published on October 3rd reveals a unique wristband with tactile feedback that Sony is developing. The small device slips onto the hand or wrist and allows the user to experience vibrations with haptic feedback while fully using the hand and fingers. Currently, testing haptic feedback requires holding the controller, which then forces the developer to pause and repeatedly switch back and forth from the keyboard and mouse to the controller. With this arm strap device, developers could test haptic feedback settings without having to pick up the controller, allowing for faster adjustments. By making it easier to test and add haptic feedback in video games, Sony could potentially see an increase in developers focused on using these features.

Sony Haptic Feedback wristband for game developers

Looking at Figure 1 of Sony's patent for a haptic feedback wristband, viewers can see how game developers would use the device to adjust controller settings for a game. A small strap would be worn on the hands and provide tactile feedback that could be adjusted on the fly. This would allow the developer to make incremental changes to achieve the desired output setting without having to stop and pick up the controller. Whether developers would make use of this facility cannot be confirmed, and Sony has yet to make any official announcement regarding the possible distribution of this useful developer tool. But Sony's wristband device and other tech patents seem to indicate that the company is heavily focused on haptic feedback.

The PS5 controller's haptic feedback features have been well received by critics and audiences alike, though many have complained about the lack of games that take full advantage of these immersive capabilities. Perhaps in an effort to encourage more developers to implement this technology into their games, Sony could make it much easier to test and use these features with an arm strap with haptic feedback. As it stands, there is no guarantee Sony will ever fully develop and release a device, so it remains to be seen whether haptic feedback will be widespread in studies.