Access is the official name for the new PlayStation 5 controller – and as the name implies, the device is designed for maximum accessibility. The controller is not just a controller; It is a fully customizable kit that allows players to create different layouts and button-mappings that will work best for them.
Sony consulted with accessibility experts to design the Access around the strength, range of motion and physical needs of different players, before first revealing it as “Project Leonardo” at CES in January.
The Access Kit includes the following items:
- Analog stick cap in standard, dome and ball stick cap variations
- Various button caps, including: Pillow Button Caps, Flat Button Caps, Wide Flat Button Cap (covers two button sockets), and Overhang Button Caps (located closer to the center), Curved Button Caps (pushed to the edge could)
- Swappable button cap tags for easy marking
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Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment
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Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment
In addition to the controller’s physical hardware capabilities, Access will let players customize UI settings. This includes creating different controller mapping and button assignment profiles for different games, and setting any button to act like Caps Lock, so that it can be pressed once and not held down. More detailed information can be found on the PlayStation Blog.
More and more developers and console manufacturers are expanding the reach of their games and devices. Microsoft made the Adaptive Controller for Xbox and Windows PC in 2018, so with the Access controller, Sony is finally catching up. Full pricing and release dates for the Access Controller have yet to be released.
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