THE CRUNCH

Sony has filed a patent for a PlayStation controller that could accept payments via NFC or Bluetooth, potentially letting gamers tap a credit card or phone to buy games or top up balances. The system, described as “Video Game Controller-Driven Information Transfer,” would allow a DualSense controller to process transactions when a card or smartphone is presented to it. The patent, first filed in March 2025 and published on September 17, includes artwork showing a TV prompting a user to purchase a game with a PS5 controller and smartphone nearby, as well as a message confirming a gift card has been received. The filing suggests the console could handle payment after a card is presented, though it is unclear if a PlayStation account sign-in would be required. The patent does not indicate a new console or controller hardware change, but rather a software and payment system feature. While companies apply for many patents that never ship, this filing offers a glimpse at how Sony might streamline in-game purchases and store top-ups in the future.