Sony develops technology that allows PlayStation players to smell in-game scents in real-life

At CES 2025, Sony unveiled its latest leap in immersive gaming technology: the ability for players to experience in-game scents in real life. Dubbed Sony’s “Future Immersive Entertainment Concept” (FIEC), the system was demonstrated using the popular title The Last of Us, captivating attendees with its sensory-forward approach to gaming.

The CES showcase featured a large cube made of high-definition Crystal LED panels, immersing participants by allowing them to step into their favorite games. Alongside the visual experience, the system integrates atmospheric elements to indulge players in the game world.

Sony seeks immersion without VR headsets

According to developers, Sony’s FIEC will seemingly eliminate the need for bulky Virtual Reality headsets. It relies on its proprietary Crystal LED technology to project ultra-high-definition visuals paired with synchronized environmental enhancements like scent and sound. 

The electronics company emphasized its position as a leader in entertainment technology, stating, “We have many more stories for you to explore.”

Sony’s demonstration used The Last of Us, an acclaimed action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players explored a dystopian landscape filled with hostile creatures known as “the infected” and experienced the sights, sounds, and even smells of the game’s environment.

The Last of Us continuation is still “cloudy”

The Last of Us game by Naughty Dog Studios has two installments, Part I and Part II, complemented by some downloadable content. The Last of Us Part II was the franchise’s last major installment.

The team was initially working on a multiplayer spinoff titled The Last of Us Online. However, the project has since been abandoned, and Naughty Dog is focusing on other projects, such as its upcoming sci-fi title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

Set thousands of years in the future, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet follows Jordan A. Mun, a skilled bounty hunter stranded on the remote planet of Sempiria. The game, which Naughty Dog revealed has been in development since 2020, features a soundtrack composed by talented musical artists Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

The Last of US series remains a flagship property for Sony, who have remastered both installments to fit into new-gen console Playstation 5 remakes. Enthusiasts are hoping Naughty Dog will announce a third installment of the game, as Studio Head Druckmann hinted that the story is not over yet.

Hyperkin’s DualSense-inspired controller for Xbox

In other gaming hardware news, Hyperkin unveiled a wired controller for Xbox and PC that takes clear inspiration from Sony’s DualSense controller. Named the Competitor, it mimics DualSense’s symmetrical analog stick layout, transparent buttons, and ergonomic design.

Hyperkin announced that the controller will be available in two versions: a sleek black model and a white-faced variant with two-tone aesthetics. It also includes rear-facing inputs for added functionality.

While the Competitor bears a strong resemblance to the DualSense, it lacks some of the nuanced haptic feedback features that set Sony’s controller apart. The DualSense offers features like adaptive triggers and dynamic vibrations, which have made tactile feedback a part of gaming.

The Competitor, however, appeals to Xbox and PC users looking for premium design and build quality. Although the release date and pricing remain undisclosed, the controller adds to Hyperkin’s lineup of gaming peripherals, including its retro-inspired Duke controller for Xbox systems.

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