The PlayStation Access Controller: Revolutionizing Gaming for Disabled Players

The world of adaptive controllers can often seem daunting for disabled players with high costs and complex setups. Sony's Access controller aims to change that with its affordable, customizable design. Unlike other controllers, it comes with 8 interchangeable button plates, a touchpad, and an adjustable joystick right out of the box. It also has expansion ports for additional switches and buttons, making it versatile for different needs. Plus, it can be mounted anywhere for a comfortable gaming experience. After testing it out for a week, it's clear that the Access controller is a significant step towards accessibility for the PS5 and sets a new standard for the industry.

The PlayStation 5 perfectly showcases the versatility and user-friendly nature of the Access controller. The setup tutorial is incredibly detailed and user-friendly. Users have the option to create up to 30 profiles to save different control configurations. The controller can be positioned in any comfortable manner and buttons can be mapped accordingly, with included labels for easy reference.

The controller also allows for toggleable button presses, removing the need to constantly hold them down. This feature was particularly enjoyable in games like Little Nightmares, where sprinting and character abilities can be awkward to control through traditional mapping. By simply pressing a button, the character could sprint and perform other actions without needing continuous pressure. This same flexibility was applied to games like Elden Ring, where the default control scheme proved challenging on a Dualsense controller. The Access controller enabled easy button remapping and the option to make the sprint button toggleable. Additionally, the ability to assign two functions to a single button was incredibly useful for games like Street Fighter 6 and Spider-Man 2, simplifying complex combos. The profile button on the side of the controller further streamlined the process of switching between control configurations.

The access controller can be used on its own or with a DualSense or another Access controller. I typically use my DualSense for camera movement and navigating menus, while the Access controller is perfect for combat and character movement. The transition between the two controllers is seamless, making it easy for a friend or family member to pick up the controller and assist when needed.

Even though I am a huge fan of this controller, there are areas that could be improved. While it is simple to digitally switch between profiles using the profile button, I found it tedious to change the labels on the buttons. The rubber labels fit into small holes on the button cap, likely to keep costs low, but having a small LCD screen to display button-mapping changes when switching profiles would have been a nice addition. This would further reduce the cognitive load while playing.

I admire the circular shape of the controller, but it may not be suitable for disabled players with strength issues or limited reach. Including a horizontal version alongside the circular one would cater to a wider range of disabilities that Sony is aiming to support and provide easy access to all buttons.

Additional button caps would have been beneficial. In addition to the eight pillow button caps, there are four flat, four curved, two overhang, and one wide flat button cap covering two buttons. Having at least two extra caps of each type for variety would have been ideal. Furthermore, a case to store the button or joystick caps would have been a nice addition.

I was disappointed to discover that the Access controller is only partially compatible with PC. When I connected it to Steam, I found that while the buttons functioned, the joystick did not respond to any input. Sony has not yet indicated any plans to make it fully PC-compatible, which is a missed opportunity, especially as the company releases more of its own games on PC. It would benefit their audience to develop software that replicates all of the controller's capabilities on the PS5 for PC.

Accessibility is not one-size-fits-all, and while this controller was great for me and my disability, it may not be the best fit for others. I encourage you to give it a try to see if it works for you because, despite its imperfections, I really appreciate the controller. The PlayStation Access marks a significant first step in Sony’s new accessible hardware journey and the ongoing accessibility efforts within the industry. I can only hope that with time, it will continue to improve with the input of disabled individuals, demonstrating the positive outcomes when their voices are heard.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am thrilled to witness the release of the PlayStation Access Controller, a revolutionary device that has the potential to transform the gaming landscape for disabled players. Sony's commitment to accessibility is commendable, and the Access Controller stands as a testament to their efforts in creating an inclusive gaming environment.

The customizability and versatility of the controller are particularly impressive. With its interchangeable button plates, adjustable joystick, and expansion ports, the Access Controller empowers disabled players to tailor their gaming experience to their specific needs. This level of personalization is often lacking in traditional controllers, making the Access Controller a standout in the market.

However, there are areas where the controller could be further improved. The tedious process of changing button labels and the limited number of button caps are minor drawbacks that could be addressed in future iterations. Additionally, the circular shape of the controller may not be suitable for all disabled players, and the inclusion of a horizontal version would make it more accessible to a wider range of individuals.

Overall, the PlayStation Access Controller is a significant step forward in the realm of adaptive gaming. Its affordability, user-friendly design, and wealth of customization options make it an invaluable tool for disabled players seeking an immersive and inclusive gaming experience. Sony's commitment to accessibility through the Access Controller sets a new standard for the industry and paves the way for future advancements in adaptive gaming technology.