Imagine playing your favorite game, and your controller starts charging itself – no need to plug it in or swap out batteries. This could be a reality thanks to a new patent from Sony Interactive Entertainment. Their idea, called “Operation Device,” involves adding solar panels to a game controller, allowing it to charge using sunlight.
A Closer Look
The patent comes with diagrams showing where these solar panels would go – on the top half of the controller, covering the touchpad, analog sticks, and even the handle and buttons. So, even when you’re holding the controller and it’s partially blocked, it can still charge when you put it down.
This concept is interesting because, although solar cells aren’t new (they’ve been used in entertainment devices like Samsung’s TV remote), using them in a game controller could make a big difference. Game controllers use a lot of battery power, so it’ll be interesting to see how effective Sony’s design is if it becomes a real product.
What’s Next?
We’ll keep an eye out for any updates on Sony’s solar cell controller or other innovative gaming technologies. If this concept becomes a reality, it could be a game-changer for gamers everywhere. No more dead batteries in the middle of a gaming session!
Note: The original article can be found on the World Intellectual Property Organization website.