Meet the new PlayStation 5 accessibility controller

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 is not just any controller; it is a fully customizable kit that allows players to create different layouts and buttons that suit them best.

Sony consulted with accessibility experts to design the Access, taking into account 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 contains the following items:

• Analog stick caps in standard, dome and ball stick cap variations
• Various button caps including: cushion button caps, flat button caps, wide flat button caps (covers two button holders) and overhanging button caps (placed closer to the center), curved button caps (can be pushed in if at the edge)
• Interchangeable button cap tags for easy marking

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

In addition to the controller’s physical hardware capabilities, the Access also allows players to customize user interface settings. This includes creating different controller mappings and button mapping profiles for different games and setting each button to act as a caps lock so that it can be pressed once and not held down. More detailed information can be found at the PlayStation blog.

More and more developers and console makers are increasing the accessibility of their games and devices. Microsoft created the Adaptive Controller in 2018 for Xbox and Windows PC, so with the Access controller, Sony is finally catching up. Full price and release dates for the Access controller have not yet been released.