Sony Patents Solar Powered Controllers That Charge When Exposed To Light

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New PlayStation Controllers May Run On Solar Power!

Story Highlight
  • Sony has published a new patent discussing solar-power technology for PlayStation controllers with storage. 
  • These controllers can charge when exposed to light and retain the extra electricity in the battery, not requiring any other power source.
  • Sony might introduce a new line of PS controllers that can charge using solar power, eliminating the headache of manual charging.

Sony has recently been on a spree and secured the wildest controller ideas through patents. Now, it has published a new legal document that aims to bring the most realistic yet innovative controllers to the market

We have stumbled upon a new patent that discusses introducing solar power to PlayStation controllers with storage to store the electricity generated. These controllers can charge on their own when they are exposed to light.

Additionally, Sony claims these controllers will not require an external power source since the traditional charging system is unnecessary.

A plurality of photovoltaic elements disposed in a [controller], and a power storage unit for storing power generated by the plurality of photovoltaic elements. […] the photovoltaic element has a solar power generation function and generates electric power used by the [controller].

Why it matters: The new Sony patent could forever change gaming controllers with solar-power technology, as they could charge on their own in the presence of light without requiring external power sources. 

The image shows a PlayStation controller with solar cells placed in its structure.

Sony’s patent, ‘OPERATION DEVICE, ‘ describes a PlayStation controller that includes photovoltaic elements, which are the basic units of solar cells. These solar cells have the basic yet crucial functionality of generating electricity and storing it in a battery for future use.

The conglomerate argues that traditional game controllers end up with their batteries drained at the wrong times when you don’t have a charger on hand, and their batteries also need to be replaced eventually. So, the solar-powered controllers can resolve these dilemmas. 

Game controllers that use batteries need to be replaced or charged when the battery runs out. Therefore, if there is no battery that can be replaced, or if there is no charger, […] the game controller cannot be operated.

The image also shows a controller with solar cells arranged differently in its structure.
The image also shows a controller with solar cells arranged differently in its structure.

Sony might introduce these PlayStation controllers in a new lineup, provided the company uses the patent to make solar-power technology possible.

Do you think Sony will use this patent to create solar-powered controllers that can charge themselves in the presence of light, or is this just a gimmick? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

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