The traditional gamepad has remained the best method for playing video games because it works. Almost nothing that tried to dethrone the simple device even came close. However, a patent application from Sony can change things by allowing you to use a simple household object as a controller. In Sony’s case, it looks like really want you to use a banana. Just do not let anyone eat your controller before a big game.
In a file noted by GamesIndustry.biz, Sony said it would be “desirable if a user could use a cheap, simple and non-electronic device as a peripheral video game.”
Enter the banana. Or, if you prefer, two bananas. Or an orange. Or basically anything else that doesn’t have lights on.
Presumably you would be able to use almost anything with this patent pending system as you would move the “non-clear” object based on the attitudes you are dealing with. One image also shows the X and triangle buttons depicted on different parts of the shell. In addition to the banana – or two bananas – Sony mentions objects such as oranges, mugs or pens.
Should the banana be a viable option, if the technology is released, this is not the first time someone has used the yellow fruit for video games. More than four years ago, the Twitch streamer played Rudeism as the intelligent monkey Winston in Overwatch with a variety of bananas attached to his harness. Potassium is a good conductor, which makes it surprisingly viable.
We’re seen for years that people use weird stuff as video game controllers, including Dance Dance Revolution booklets for games that were definitely not designed for that. However, a company that officially supports it is a different story.
Sony is no stranger to experimenting with game controllers. The new DualSense customizable triggers are very unique and offer different levels of resistance based on what you do, and have previously used push-sensitive buttons for more control inputs. We’m not sure it will work that well, but we really want to play all games with bananas right now.