Some recently unearthed patents point to Sony possibly making a next-generation version of its motion-tastic Move controller.
The patent was filed in 2012 but only published this last month, and it looks decidedly similar to the current PlayStation Move Wand – but appears to have a bit of a touch-pad, similar to the one found on the Dual Shock 4.
Here’s what the patent says:
“A controller device to interface with a computer gaming system includes a body having a handle and an object disposed at one end of the handle. A touch surface is disposed on one side of the handle. The touch surface has an indicator that is identified by a surface characteristic on the touch surface. The touch surface provides an area for receiving directionality control in response to interfacing by a finger of a user.
“In addition to the touch surface, a plurality of buttons are disposed on the body. A circuitry is disposed in the body of the controller. The circuitry is configured to receive data indicative of a directionality control and transmit the data to a game console for impacting an action by a program executing on the computer gaming system.”
I honestly don’t know anybody who wants this. The PlayStation Move is probably my single biggest tech purchase regret. Yes, it gets even less use in my house than the bloody Kinect, which my kids use for Dance Central pretty damned regularly. Move though? I can’t even think of the last time I used the thing. In fact, the single most interesting thing that I’ve seen done with a move is the indie, screen-less game Johan Sebastian Joust.
Of course, just the fact that a patent exists doesn’t mean it’s ever going to make it to market – but it’s worth noting that Sony has managed to sell over 15 million units, so it might be worthwhile for them to do a next-gen version.
Last Updated: December 10, 2013
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 10, 2013 at 14:38
Please make them stop with this thing… the move sucked, my kinect isn’t even plugged in and I sold my Wii… if that’s not a sign, nothing is lol
That Tall Twit Norm
December 10, 2013 at 15:21
I still have my Wii and tend to connect it up for when the children invade our house. All other times the Xbox 360 is connected.
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 10, 2013 at 15:23
Only things that ever got played on my Wii was Tennis, Bowling and Guitar Hero… and that was about once or twice a year.
Kinect gets connected at times… not often though
That Tall Twit Norm
December 10, 2013 at 15:25
I don’t have the Kinect (a blessing I am sure) & as you said, Guitar Hero!!! The kids love the Wii sports & Party games.
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 10, 2013 at 15:48
Kinect is cool, depending on what you’re playing of course… just sucks that you can only have 2 people playing at a time… but then again 4 people flailing about like maniacs can’t be good in a small area…
e1ace
December 10, 2013 at 14:44
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me….
Sageville
December 10, 2013 at 15:07
Yah neh!
Never again!
Hondsepop
December 10, 2013 at 14:51
Got the move, got the controller, got the gun frame – played at most three times. In short, it sucked.
Ali Blahblah
December 10, 2013 at 15:07
It’s fun for Start the Party. Real fun. More games like that should have been made.
Brian Murphy
December 10, 2013 at 21:41
Nobody cares whether you want an optional device that isn’t forced on developers so only gets fringe functionality implemented in games. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. You bought the original Move, your fault. Not Sony’s.
Sony makes TV’s, Cameras, Laptops, etc… do you buy those just because they got made? No? Thought not.