Microsoft’s potential answer to the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller revealed in patent

Forward-looking: One of the advantages PlayStation 5 consoles have over the Xbox Series machines is their fantastic DualSense Wireless controllers, which feature advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. However, a newly discovered patent suggests Microsoft could be working on a controller that might be just as good, or even better, than Sony’s offering.

The new patent, titled “Tuning haptic feedback of a device,” was discovered by Tech4Gamers. It describes haptic motors within a controller’s housing that move rather than being rigidly attached in place within the grips, which is the current design in the Xbox Series controllers.

The haptic controllers described in the patent utilize advanced actuators, such as linear or voice coil motors, which move within their housing to generate precise tactile feedback. These actuators are mounted on mechanisms that allow them to vibrate or shift along specific axes. By controlling the direction and amplitude of these movements, the controller creates a wide range of sensations, such as impacts, textures, or environmental effects, enhancing user immersion.

The movement of the haptic motors is carefully calibrated to simulate realistic forces and vibrations. For example, small, rapid shifts might replicate the sensation of walking on gravel, while larger, slower movements could simulate the recoil of a weapon.

The controller also features adaptive triggers that alter resistance dynamically, enabling realistic sensations like drawing a bowstring or the click of a gun trigger. Sensors detect user inputs and adjust feedback in real-time, while software integration allows developers to program specific haptic responses for different scenarios. The system is designed for power efficiency, providing extensive feedback without significantly impacting battery life, thereby enhancing the overall gaming experience.

The patent suggests that the haptic motors could be smaller than those used in current controllers without lessening the force of their haptic response. That means they could be cheaper to manufacture.

The system described in Microsoft’s patent certainly sounds like something that could challenge Sony’s DualSense controllers. Unfortunately, it’s important to remember that companies file patents all the time, most of which never become real products. Only time will tell whether Microsoft decides to develop this into a functional controller.