Sony may be working on a back button for the PS5 DualSense controller

Sony is apparently looking to develop its rear button attachment for the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, according to a new patent. A new document “ Controller add-on device with customizable presets ” was published on February 4 in the database of the World Intellectual Property Organization suggests that Sony wants to develop the accessory to work with the PS5 gamepad. According to the patent, Sony filed the required documents on June 29, 2020, and the publication of the document would apparently allow Sony to start production on a DualSense back button.

The images (below) appear to show a nearly identical device to the PS4 rear button attachment released last year. We called this attachment “easy to recommend”, despite being “a bit odd” in a 7/10 review. At the time, we were even wondering if that meant the DualSense would have built-in rear buttons, but it didn’t – it looks like Sony now has an option for that.

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Source: World Intellectual Property Organization

Like the PlayStation 4’s DualShock controller device, the DualSense gamepad accessory would mate with the input slots at the base of the PS5’s controller. The accessory’s buttons would also be fully customizable, allowing users to map control presets based on each button press. The patent states that the back button add-on would allow more buttons to be “within reach of the user while using certain functions” because some buttons prompt “may be out of reach for the average hand while using certain functions “.

It’s unclear if Sony will continue production of its DualSense add-on, or if it’s just the company hedging itself against third-party accessories. Sony has previously lobbied Customize My Plates, a third-party PS5 plate maker, to cancel their custom orders, and the PS5 back button patent may be a way to prevent other companies from making their own accessories. back button.

The news of this complementary PS5 back button patent comes after Sony revealed that the DualSense controller would not automatically be equipped with such a device. In September 2020, Sony confirmed that the gamepad will not have a back button or trigger functionality, but this patent document suggests that it may not be long before the device is official.

Tom Power is a UK based freelance writer. Follow him on Twitter.