PlayStation has proved that accessibility is at the forefront of their priorities, and today, their previously announced Access Controller gets a release date and details.
Back in January, PlayStation announced the ‘Project Leonardo,’ an accessibility-based controller that can allow gamers with disabilities to play more comfortably and how they please. The kit included a modular design that can be adjusted to the user’s satisfaction. Today, the PlayStation Blog pulled the curtain all the way back on more features of the controller, a release date, and an official name: Meet the PlayStation Access Controller.
The PlayStation Access Controller was developed in close tandem with the accessibility community, and Senior Vice President of Platform Experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment, Hideaki Nishino said, “Through conversations with accessibility experts and incredible organizations like AbleGamers, SpecialEffect and Stack Up, we’ve designed a highly configurable controller that works in tandem with many third-party accessibility accessories and integrates with the PS5 console to open up new ways of gaming.”
PlayStation Access Controller Key Features
- Swappable buttons and stick caps allow users to configure the Access Controller’s button layout to suit their range of mobility and switch between the included stick caps to find the shape and texture that works best for them.
- Adjustable stick length allows the Access to be further tailored to the user’s individual needs.
- The Access Controller is built for comfort, so PlayStation has assured players can literally place the controller “from any 360° orientation, on different flat surfaces, a wheelchair tray, or attached to an AMPS pattern mount.”
- The Access can also be hooked up to other controllers, whether it’s another Access, a Dualsense, or even both.
- Players can also add extra control devices and connect additional buttons, specialty trigger switches and other compatible accessories via the Access Controller’s four industry standard 3.5mm expansion ports. These come with configuration optionality in the PS5 menus.
PlayStation Access seeks to bridge the gap between accessibility and video games, empowering ALL gamers with the ability to play more comfortably and for longer periods. The Access Controller goes up for pre-order on July 21, and it will officially release on December 6. Fans can head to the PlayStation Blog for more information and specs regarding the innovative device.
