A Sony patent turns the PlayStation controller into a payment method by bringing the card or smartphone closer

Sony has filed a patent for a new system that converts the PlayStation controller at the intermediary to transfer payment data between a mobile phone or a card and the console, in order to be able to make purchases in its services directly through the controller.

The application, titled “Video Game Controller-Driven Information Transfer” and published on September 17, details a system that would facilitate payments by bringing your smartphone or credit or debit card closer to the back of the PlayStation controller and that, in addition, it would also work with gift cards, according to the specialized media Dexerto.

In the patent, which was initially applied for in March 2025, you can read the description of the operation. Specifically, the console generates a purchase event and notifies the controller so that it detects if there is a device nearby (card or ‘smartphone’) using NFC, Bluetooth, proximity sensors, sound or light signals or with a QR code.

After confirming the connection with the controller, the mobile phone would respond from an ‘app’ from the console manufacturer. Finally, the command collects the payment details and sends them to the console to complete the operation.

Besides, Sony gives several examples of use ranging from redeeming gift cards, to buy a game after trying a demotransfer a player ID card, join a multiplayer game, or move game content to mobile.