Sony is set to release a revolutionary PlayStation controller in December, with large circular buttons and a joystick, designed to significantly improve gaming experiences for individuals with disabilities. This development comes as the gaming industry faces increasing scrutiny for not adequately addressing accessibility issues despite recent efforts by competitors.
This shift toward improved accessibility in gaming is being driven by both ethical and financial considerations. Video games have provided many individuals with disabilities a means to lead a more normal and socially active life, making them a vital inclusive tool. This focus on accessibility is an industry-wide trend, not limited to PlayStation. The objective is for the controller to adapt to the player, considering that no two people experience disabilities in the same way.
PlayStation Access controller
The new controller is highly adaptable and can be placed on a table or mounted in various directions. Its buttons can change shape with magnetic caps, making them easier to press or grasp, and users can assign any function to them.
On the PS5 console, there are many settings for the Access controller that can be configured to meet the needs. One can map buttons to create up to 30 control profiles, adjust stick settings, toggle commands on/off, or disable buttons altogether to stop accidental pressing. It is also possible to pair up to two Access controllers and one DualSense wireless controller together and use them collaboratively.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Access controller for PS5 | Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 141 x 39 x 191 mm Weight: Approx. 322 grams (0.7 lbs.) |
| (4) expansion ports | 3.5mm industry-standard AUX ports for players to connect additional buttons, specialty trigger switches and other compatible accessories |
| (19) button caps | (1) wide flat button cap (covers two button sockets) (2) overhang button caps (benefits players with smaller hands as they are positioned closer to the center) (4) curve button caps (can be pushed if placed along the top or pulled if placed along the bottom of the controller) (8) pillow button caps (4) flat button caps |
| (3) stick caps | (1) ball stick cap (1) standard stick cap (1) dome stick cap |
| (23) button cap tags | Swappable button cap tags for players to easily mark which inputs they map to each button |
| USB cable | 1.5m USB Type-C to Type-C cable (Hi-Speed USB) |
| Quick start guide and safety guide | Instructions for setting up the controller, UI settings and button configurations on PS5 |
Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit for Access controller
While the Access controller is designed as an “out of the box” solution for many players with disabilities, there is a wide spectrum of diverse needs within the accessibility community. Today, we’re also very happy to introduce the Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit for Access controller*, an official accessory kit developed by Logitech in collaboration with our SIE team and the accessibility community.
Accessible packaging for Access controller
The accessible experience starts from the moment one starts unboxing the product. Designed to be openable with one hand, the Access controller’s packaging features convenient loops that can be pulled from the left or right side, and additional loops on the inside to help open the boxes and slide the controller out easily. The interior features slots that conveniently organise the various kit components – including 19 interchangeable button caps and 3 stick caps – in a single layer for easy identification and access.
Sony began working on this innovative controller in 2018, with the project evolving over time and involving extensive collaboration with associations and experts across different continents. The controller will be released on December 6 at a recommended retail price of $89.99 in the United States.
