After five years of development with accessibility experts, Sony's PlayStation Access Controller is now here and is literally a game-changer in accessible gaming.

This highly customizable kit, developed alongside accessibility experts, aims to address common challenges like difficulty in using standard controllers. It is designed to empower a broader range of players than ever before, making gaming an inclusive and joyful experience for all.

Unique Features That Set It Apart

Many gamers with disabilities encounter significant barriers in the world of gaming. Holding a standard controller for extended periods, accurately pressing clusters of buttons or triggers, and positioning thumbs and fingers optimally can be challenging. The PlayStation Access Controller for PS5 is a game-changing, highly customizable accessibility controller kit created to help players overcome these obstacles, allowing for more comfortable and extended gaming sessions.

The Access Controller has an extensive range of stick caps and button caps. This flexibility empowers players to tailor their gaming experience to their individual strength, range of motion, and physical needs. It is designed to be comfortably used on flat surfaces like wheelchair trays and allows for full 360-degree orientation.

What's more, players can use up to two Access Controllers in conjunction with one DualSense wireless controller, creating a virtual controller that offers a mix-and-match experience. On the PS5 console, players can create up to 30 control profiles, fine-tune stick sensitivity and deadzone settings, or deactivate buttons to suit their preferences.

Gamers can enhance their setup by connecting additional buttons, specialty trigger switches, and other compatible accessories via the controller’s four industry-standard 3.5mm expansion ports.

The Access Controller allows users to store up to three control profiles, enabling quick and easy switching between layouts depending on the in-game situation.

Like the DualSense controller, the Access Controller requires an initial wired connection for pairing with the PS5 but operates wirelessly thereafter. The Access Controller features a USB-C port for convenient controller charging.

Compatibility Across All Games

One of the standout features of the Access Controller is its compatibility with every game available on the PS5. Even for games that occasionally require DualSense-specific features, such as touchpad swipes, the Access Controller can be seamlessly used in conjunction with a DualSense controller to provide full functionality.

The Access Controller features a unique form factor and highly adaptable functionality. Experts suggest that players typically acclimate to new controllers in 7-10 days, although this duration can vary based on individual needs and preferences.

The Vision Behind the Access Controller

At Sony Interactive Entertainment, the mission is clear: to use technology to connect the world through play. With approximately 1.3 billion people experiencing significant disabilities, the gaming industry's expansion underscores the importance of developing accessible products.

The Access Controller is inspired by the vision of "Play Has No Limits" and continues Sony's tradition of delivering accessible features and products that break down barriers for players, across their console experiences and PlayStation Studios’ games.

Throughout the development of the Access Controller, Sony actively engaged with accessibility organizations and experts, whose input was invaluable. From addressing physical challenges in the controller's design to hands-on evaluation of prototypes and guidance on testing third-party devices for compatibility, their support and insights were instrumental.

Even the packaging of the Access Controller is designed with accessibility in mind. It is one-handed openable and features interior slots that neatly organize all kit components in a single layer, making it easy for users to identify and access each component.

The Access Controller project would not have been possible without this collaborative effort, demonstrating Sony's dedication to making gaming truly accessible for all.