Sony patent explores transferring payment details through PlayStation controllers

Sony has filed a provisional patent for a PlayStation controller that could transfer payment or account details from a nearby phone to a console. The idea may make purchases and log-ins quicker, at a time when Sony is planning to move fully to digital games.

The patent, titled “Video game controller-driven information transfer”, describes a phone detecting a signal from the controller, confirming the request, then sending information through it to the console. The connection could use NFC, Bluetooth or both, and might support purchases, gift card entry or joining multiplayer games. The patent does not mean the feature will be made, and similar NFC technology is already used by some controllers to scan Amiibo figures.