Game Controllers are always evolving. Going from a Joystick and a Single button of the days of the Atari 2600, to complex devices with a wide array of buttons, analog sticks, triggers, motion sensors, touch inputs, feedback motors, and video/screenshot sharing features.

But what comes next? What kind of technology or feature do you think, should be explored by controllers in the future, allowing for new kinds of input and immersion? Prior to the Switch, Nintendo patented a controller that swapped the L and R buttons with Clickable, analog scroll wheels.

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-09-18-nintendo-patents-controller-with-shoulder-scroll-wheels

I actually think this would be a simple and welcome addition to controllers, especially when using things like a Sniper Rifle in shooters. Being able to move the wheel to zoom in on a target, combined with precise gyro aim would be killer.

Another radical idea for a new controller feature (and I don't know if the tech for this is available yet) but what if a controller can change it's weight? Like the device physically feeling lighter, or heavier depending on in game actions, as well as shift that weight to different locations on the controller.

For example, say you're carrying something in a game, like heavy boulder. The Controller can adjust its physical weight to make it heavier, creating the sensation that you're carrying a massive, heavy object. Or, you're in a racing game, and when you steer a car, the controller can shift its weight in different areas, creating a sense of resistance and friction like a real steering wheel. This combined with current HD haptics, would be a goldmine for Immersion I feel.

I don't think it would be possible for a controller to adjust it's weight. You'd literally have to be adding and removing matter for this to be possible, and the logistics of this would be very problematic to put it mildly.

I don't feel the need for any more "innovation" I just want back buttons as an added feature as standard. Tho If I were to add anything...eh I dunno maybe adaptive analog sticks.

A controller changing its weight would be cool, but unless it was like attached to a cable, that would defy the laws of physics.

Something that might be cool along those lines would be joysticks your buttons that offer resistance. For instance a you hold down R to pull a bow string taught, but it pushes back against you the tighter the string is. That seems more possible although possibly prohibitively expensive.

Dual Sense is doing that with the triggers. I don't think it will last long. Something like that has the potential to be another touchpad or even the PS2 pressure buttons that no one used and Sony abandoned when PS3 released.

You just described exactly what the PS5 controller will be doing.

As far as the weight shifting goes, something with high density liquids could be used to transfer weight across the controller. Could be something interesting in both Gamepads, and VR Controllers, and shouldn't be impossible with materials available today. Maybe this will be a new addition for the PS6's TriSense Controller.

None. Just make it comfortable and keep motion control features to the bare minimum.

Back buttons.

That's about it. I can't think of much more, because it would muddle what doesn't need muddling.

if we could do that... game controllers wouldnt not be the priority for that tech! LOL

Add vita's rear touchpad to the switch's joycon. Best controller ever.