{
  "id": 9752558,
  "title": "Sony patents PlayStation controller that could accept tap-to-pay from phones and credit cards",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/sony-patents-playstation-controller-that-could-accept-tap-to-pay-from",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-25T10:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechSpot",
    "slug": "techspot",
    "url": "https://www.techspot.com/news/113988-sony-patent-shows-playstation-controller-could-accept-tap.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sony has recently filed a patent for a PlayStation controller that could potentially accept tap-to-pay functionality from both phones and credit cards. The patent, titled \"Video Game Controller-Driven Information Transfer,\" was originally filed in March 2025 but was recently published on September 17, 2026. The controller would feature NFC capabilities, allowing users to pay for games or add funds to their accounts by simply tapping their phone on the device.\n\nThe patent describes how the controller would be able to detect a phone's presence through NFC, Bluetooth, or even physical contact. Once detected, the controller would emit a light, sound, or vibration to confirm the connection. Users would receive a receipt, and the phone would then send payment information to the controller, which would then forward it to the console for processing.\n\nHowever, the patent's potential uses extend beyond just payments. The technology could also be used to transfer player IDs or allow guests to quickly join multiplayer games. Additionally, the controller could be used to send screenshots, recordings, and other content from the console to a phone. Furthermore, a game demo could be shown at a store or gaming expo, with players able to purchase the title by simply placing their phone next to the controller.\n\nThe patent also mentions the possibility of using both NFC and Bluetooth for the process, which could potentially involve the PlayStation mobile app. While the images in the patent depict a controller that appears to be a PS5 DualSense, it is uncertain whether Sony would introduce NFC-equipped controllers so close to the end of the console's lifecycle. The success of this feature would depend on consumer concerns about security, especially considering Sony's recent low reputation. This is the second Sony patent that has been filed recently, the other being an AI-powered feature that would allow silent fixes for PlayStation and other devices.",
  "summary": "The patent, discovered by Dexerto, was published on September 17, 2026, but filed back in March 2025. Titled \"Video Game Controller-Driven Information Transfer,\" it essentially describes a controller with NFC capabilities. Read Entire Article",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Hardware",
        "title": "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",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/sony-patent-could-turn-playstation-controllers-into-tap-to-pay-credit",
        "published": "2026-09-24T17:09:31.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Creative Bloq",
        "title": "Sony has an idea for turning PlayStation controllers into payment devices, and everyone's saying the same thing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/sony-has-an-idea-for-turning-playstation-controllers-into-payment",
        "published": "2026-09-25T07:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}