Important takeaways
- Sony is investigating ways to bring the PS5's haptic feedback to older PlayStation titles.
- According to a new patent, this system would use in-game audio to determine whether to implement haptic feedback, without Sony needing to change a game's ROM files.
- It is unclear if or when this will be implemented.
Sony might be looking into ways to introduce the haptic feedback from the PS5 to older ones PlayStation titles. One of the most prominent additions coming with the PS5 is the improved haptic feedback of the console's DualSense controllers, which use advanced rumble engines to stimulate in-game sensations in certain PlayStation titles. This helps give players a more immersive experience by letting them feel the weight of Kratos' Leviathan Ax in God of War Ragnarok or the resistance from Aloy's arc in Horizon Forbidden Westto name a few examples.
Sony is reportedly still researching ways to make the PS5's haptic feedback even more useful and immersive if the patents the company has filed over the past few years are any indication. One such patent describes a wrist strap that would theoretically allow developers to test haptic feedback without having to touch a controller, while another mentions a software system that would provide increased accessibility for hearing-impaired players through haptic feedback. Sony has even filed a patent to extend its haptic feedback to other media, and now it looks like games from previous PlayStation generations may get an upgrade as well.
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Earlier this month, a patent was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited that describes a way to potentially add the PS5 DualSense controller's haptic feedback to older PlayStation games. According to the patent, this system would use in-game audio to determine whether to implement haptic feedback, without requiring Sony to modify a game's ROM files. For example, the sound of footsteps could trigger minor vibrations, while an explosion would activate massive rumbling feedback and even flashing lights around the PS5 controller's touchpad.
Sony's patent describes sound-based haptic feedback for older PlayStation games
Sony's commitment to improving haptic feedback in games goes all the way back to the original PlayStation, which featured one of the first game controllers to have a built-in vibration motor. The original PS1 DualShock controller was very successful and paved the way for further improvements along with later PlayStation consoles.
As Sony continues to bring more classic PlayStation games to the PS5, fans may one day be able to experience these older titles in a whole new way thanks to the advanced haptic feedback of the DualSense controller. While there's no guarantee that Sony's latest patent will result in the PS5's haptic feedback being added to older games, it would provide an even more immersive experience for gamers looking to relive their most nostalgic memories while enjoying titles from the original PlayStation console and beyond.
PlayStation 5
Sony's PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon's Souls and Astro's Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is available for a cheaper price.
