Sony has announced that its new accessibility-focused controller for PlayStation 5, called the Access controller, will be available worldwide on December 6th. The controller will retail for $90 and preorders will open on July 21st. However, Canadians will need to pay $120 CAD for the peripheral. The price in the UK is £80, in Europe it is €90, and in Japan, it costs 12,980 yen.
The Access controller is highly customizable and comes with four 3.5mm aux ports, allowing players to connect external buttons, switches, and other accessories. It includes 19 button caps and three stick caps to help users find the configuration that suits them best. For example, players can choose a button cap that takes up two button sockets or a dome-shaped stick cap instead of the standard one. Additionally, Sony is providing 23 swappable button cap tags to assist players in identifying which input each button corresponds to.
Players can set up to 30 profiles for the Access controller, with different button mappings and stick settings for each profile. The controller also offers the option to disable certain buttons to prevent accidental presses, and users can toggle commands on or off as needed.
One of the notable features Sony has previously revealed is the ability to pair up to two Access controllers and one DualSense controller to create a “single virtual controller.” This means that multiple people, up to three, can control the same character, allowing friends and family members to join in the gaming experience and offer assistance when necessary.
Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Brand, Hardware, and Peripherals vice-president, explained in a blog post that the company has been working on the Access controller for five years in collaboration with accessibility organizations and experts. The goal was to develop a controller that would enable gamers with disabilities to play more comfortably and for extended periods, ultimately empowering more players to share in the joy of gaming.
The Access controller is a significant step forward in providing accessibility options for gamers with disabilities. The customization features, including the ability to connect external buttons and switches, allow players to adapt the controller to their specific needs, giving them more control over their gaming experience.
By offering 30 profiles with different button mappings and stick settings, the Access controller ensures that players can easily switch between configurations for different games or personal preferences. The option to disable certain buttons also adds an extra layer of control, preventing accidental inputs that could disrupt gameplay.
The ability to pair multiple Access controllers with a DualSense controller to create a “single virtual controller” opens up new possibilities for cooperative gaming. Friends and family members can join in and contribute to the gameplay experience, making it more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Sony’s commitment to working with accessibility organizations and experts for five years demonstrates a genuine dedication to improving accessibility in gaming. By involving those who understand the specific needs of disabled gamers, Sony has been able to develop a controller that addresses their challenges and enhances their gaming experience.
Overall, the Access controller is a highly anticipated peripheral for PlayStation 5 players, particularly those with disabilities. Its customizable features, virtual controller capabilities, and inclusive design are all steps towards making gaming more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience. Sony’s commitment to accessibility is commendable, and the Access controller is a testament to that commitment.
