We've all experienced it: that moment when you spent hours in a game getting pummeled by a dozen puzzles or a boss monster just stopping you in your tracks. But what if you could ask your console for help instead of having to pull out your phone and Google a guide? Well, Sony may let you do just that with the PS5 controller, according to a new patent. This Sony patent (published by WIPO) describes "a control device that is held by a user's hand, including a microphone, a touch screen device that has a tactile sensation in a user's hand, the user, and a speaker. While the user is inputting voice from the microphone, the sound from the speaker is muted, and control of the touch presentation is performed by the touch presentation device." In other words, the controller can accept voice commands through its built-in microphone, just like smart speakers like Amazon's Echo range. Whether this patent relates to the PS5 controller remains speculation, but it lines up with several Sony patents we've seen before that suggest voice commands are coming to the PS5.
PlayStation support
Previously, patents for what appears to be the PS5 controller suggested that the new gamepad would include a built-in microphone. While the inclusion of this might seem a bit strange, it wouldn't replace a gaming headset, when combined with this new patent it starts to make sense. And it makes even more sense when we consider another patent filed by Sony last September, for an AI voice assistant called "PlayStation Assist." This voice assistant could dynamically respond to requests and provide "in-game help" such as reporting health packs on a map or reminding you of your goal, much like Google has stated its Stadia controller would. < p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sony has filed a new patent for an artificial intelligence voice assistant called PlayStation Assist. You can enter a request, then the game will respond dynamically. For example. Request the nearest health pack > The game marks it on your card. https://t.co/BQWibOqSRP pic.twitter.com/PNKDEH7jGeSeptember 29, 2019 So this patent for a controller with a voice control system may refer to the PS5 controller, which can work with PlayStation Assist. It should be noted that these patents may not be linked and the devices described therein may never see the light of day; However, we certainly wouldn't be surprised to see Sony add a voice command feature to the PS5 controller.