It seems that Sony is exploring new ways to deepen the experience of using the DualSense controller, so they have patented the variable firmness buttons.
Sony’s patent for a new system that could be used to determine it was recently published the hardness of the buttons on the controller.
Similar to the adaptive trigger buttons, the standard buttons on the controller (X, O, square and triangle) would also have a difference between soft and hard pressure, depending on different gameplay situations or player preferences.
Judging by the patent, special magnets would be used for this, and the material of the keys would also allow that the player’s finger “sinks” into the button of the controller itself.
This opens us up to interesting ideas for application in games, but the patent as such it is not a confirmation that this will ultimately happen. There are more indications that Sony is still exploring ways to deepen the gaming experience through various gamepad tricks.