Sony has patented a “soft” or “plush-like” PlayStation gamepad that can be squeezed, twisted, and manipulated freely in various ways

The Sony patent for a flexible-node gamepad has been published in the United States, allowing the device to be squeezed, twisted, stretched, and folded into virtually any shape.

The design consists of a mesh of interconnected button-like nodes linked by flexible joints. This gives the controller an almost fabric-like range of motion — it can bend and change shape depending on the player’s input. Nothing like this currently exists on the market, neither from PlayStation nor its competitors.

The patent was published in the U.S. on March 26, 2026, although the application was originally filed back in September 2022. Game Rant first spotted a similar patent in the European Union in July 2025, meaning the U.S. publication is simply a parallel registration of the same concept.

The flexibility of the nodes enables entirely new gameplay mechanics: squeezing the controller could simulate crushing an object, pulling it could mimic opening a door, and twisting it could represent rotating a mechanism. The device also fits into Sony’s accessibility lineup — alongside the Access controller for players with disabilities, it could become an alternative input method.

Sony активно patents unconventional gamepad designs. Recently, the company registered a touchscreen-based controller where buttons and the D-pad can be resized and rearranged, and earlier introduced an AI-powered technology for unique in-game sounds.

However, the device is unlikely to reach the market anytime soon. The main concern is durability: every node-to-joint connection could potentially fail, and repairs would likely be expensive. Sony has a long history of filing patents that never reach mass production, and the gap between 2022 and 2026 may simply reflect patent office timelines, not active development.