Sony seems to be exploring the idea of a PlayStation controller that includes a dedicated “rewind” button, as revealed by a recently uncovered patent.
The patent, found by Tech4Gamers, describes technology that allows players to rewind gameplay by pressing “a common button on a controller during active gameplay.” This button would activate a mode where users can scroll through snapshots of their current session, enabling them to choose any moment for review.
Illustrations in the patent suggest that this button could be located where the existing “Share” button is. Another image shows an on-screen interface similar to a TV remote, featuring options like Play, Pause, Next, Previous, Fast Forward, and Rewind, along with a “Return” function.
The patent’s description indicates that this feature could be useful in several ways, such as helping players remember important quest details they might have missed or guiding them back to locations they’ve previously visited when they forget how to access them. It also hints that players could bookmark specific gameplay moments for later, with the rewind button providing quick access to these saved segments.
However, the patent also acknowledges the potential challenges in implementing such a feature:
“Accessing recent gameplay while the player is playing a video game is difficult, and requires hacking an existing service to view the portion of the gameplay of interest,” the patent explains. “For instance, the player may have to specifically instruct the gaming system to create a file including portions of gameplay for purposes of sharing with other players. The player may have to exit the gameplay in order to create the sharing file. When the sharing file is completed, the player can then access the portion of the gameplay of interest for viewing.”
While this patent is certainly fascinating, it doesn’t ensure that a rewinding controller will actually be developed. Gaming companies often patent technologies that are still in the works, with some making it to market while others remain unproduced. In recent years, we’ve seen Sony file patents for various innovations, including adaptive game difficulty, an interactive AR trophy system, auto-play, and slow-motion features, as well as advancements in NFTs and blockchain technology, among others.
Also Sony did something interesting by releasing metallic covers for their “End of the lifecycle” consoles – at a time that is really confusing due their recent PS5 Pro launch.
Well, what do you think about this bold new move from Sony? Should they already fix their “Short-lived” PS5 controllers that are in a dire need for hall effect sticks or focus on adding more buttons on their controllers? Let us know on our Instagram community by clicking here.
