PlayStation 5 accessibility controller first look and details

Access is the official name of the new PlayStation 5 controller — and as the name implies, the device is designed for maximum accessibility. The controller isn’t just a controller; it’s a fully customizable kit that allows players to create different layouts and button-mapping that will best work for them.

Sony consulted with accessibility experts to design the Access, to account for different players’ strength, range of motion, and physical needs, before first revealing it — as “Project Leonardo” at CES in January.

Included in the Access Kit are:

• The standard analog stick cap, the dome stick cap, and the ball stickcap are all available.
• There are many different button covers, such as pillow buttoncaps, flat buttoncaps, and wide flat buttoncaps (covering two sockets). Also, there are overhang buttoncaps (positioned closer to the middle), and curve buttoncaps (can be pushed on the edge).
• Swapable button caps for easy labeling

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Access lets players customise UI settings, in addition to physical hardware. The Access will let players customize UI settings in addition to the controller’s hardware capabilities. The PlayStation blog has more detailed information.

Developers and console manufacturers are increasingly making their devices and games more accessible. Microsoft launched the Adaptive Controller in 2018, for Xbox One and Windows PC. Sony has finally caught up with its Access Controller. The Access controller has not been given a full price or release date.