Sony patent could turn PlayStation controllers into tap-to-pay credit card terminals — NFC and Bluetooth also support phones and gift cards for instant purchases
A new patent application details the potential for a future PlayStation controller to accept payments via credit cards and gift cards.
Sony has filed a patent for a system that could potentially turn PlayStation controllers into tap-to-pay credit card terminals. This innovative idea, titled "Video Game Controller-Driven Information Transfer," would allow users to make payments by simply tapping their credit card or smartphone onto the controller, as well as using gift cards.
The patent was initially filed in March 2025 and made public on September 17th. The payment system could potentially streamline the purchasing process, eliminating the need to enter lengthy credit card information.
The patent includes visual representations of how the payment process might unfold. For instance, a TV screen could display a question asking if a user wishes to purchase a game, with a PlayStation DualSense controller and a smartphone displayed beside it. Another scenario shows a "Gift card received!" message, suggesting the system could handle gift card transactions as well.
Moreover, the patent suggests that gamers could be prompted to buy a game after playing a demo at a retailer or event. Once a card or phone is presented to the controller, the PlayStation console would handle the payment process. However, it remains unclear whether gamers would need to sign in to their PlayStation account for the transaction to be completed. The patent allows for both NFC and Bluetooth technologies to be utilized, potentially incorporating the PlayStation smartphone app in the process.
While the patent does not hint at a future PlayStation console or controller, it does feature recognizable components like the PS5 console and the DualSense controller. Rumors of a PS6 launch as early as 2027 and a potential delay until 2029 have been circulating, but these remain mere speculation. It's important to note that even with a granted patent, this idea might not materialize into a real PlayStation product.
The patent application process is common, and not every idea depicted in these patents ends up as a shipping product or feature. Therefore, there are no guarantees that this new payment system will see the light of day.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
