PlayStation Access Controller, Sony's first adaptive device
- Daniele Scibetta
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Sony releases the PlayStation Access Controller , a device designed to make gaming accessible to players with disabilities. Let's explore its features together.
PlayStation 5 Becomes More Inclusive Following Microsoft with its Adaptive Kit for Xbox X|S , Sony's console is also moving towards greater inclusivity. The new device allows players with physical disabilities, who cannot use the traditional DualSense, to more easily access the PS5 catalog.
First shown publicly as Project Leonardo at CES 2023 , due to its circular design reminiscent of da Vinci's Vitruvian Man , the Access Controller was designed in collaboration with non-profit organizations specializing in creating adaptive devices for people with disabilities. Like the rest of the PlayStation lineup, the Access also adopts the same aesthetic language, characterized by the typical white of the current generation, rounded shapes and colored LEDs to make it less reminiscent of medical devices and closer to the world of gaming.
Accessible packaging An adaptive device like this first and foremost requires accessible and easy-to-open packaging. Sony has also made a commitment to this aspect: on top of the box are two tabs that can be easily removed, allowing it to be opened with just one hand. Inside, there's the adaptive controller, a series of caps (so called because they fit over the buttons) and interchangeable thumbsticks , and a series of labels that can be attached to the caps, effectively creating a device that adapts to your physical needs.
The content in detail:
Controller Access
USB cable
8 x Cushion Button Caps (attached to the controller)
4 flat keycaps
4 curved keycaps
4 protruding keycaps
1 wide flat keycap
Standard toggle cap
Dome thumbstick cap (attached to controller)
Ball toggle cap
23 labels
Getting Started Guide and Safety Guide
Resources on how to run accessibility workshops
A fully configurable controller
We've talked about the packaging and its contents; now let's go into detail about the controller's main features and how to use it.
The Access's control layout revolves around a circular main body, with eight buttons at the top and one in the center, while on the side there is a stick flanked by two buttons. The distance between the stick and the main body can be adjusted and extended, and then locked using the dedicated LOCK button.
Just like the DualSense when you first use it, the Access controller must first be connected to and recognized by the PS5 via a USB-C cable before it can be configured. Once connected, the console's operating system launches a guided tutorial that clearly explains all the device's functions and customization options.
The tutorial allows you to freely configure all nine buttons on the device , allowing you to associate each with the desired function and save the settings in one of the 30 profiles available on the console , or store up to three directly on the Access controller . This way, you can switch between profiles instantly, even during a game, by simply pressing the dedicated side button next to the stick. Furthermore, the commands we assign can be activated with a single or long press, depending on your physical needs.
An interesting feature of this device is the possibility of assigning a second command to create real key macros (e.g. X + Square on the same key) and if the above-mentioned solutions are not enough, we can add another 4 keys via the supplied 3.5 mm jack ports , into which we can insert third-party devices, which can be purchased separately, such as buttons, levers and pedals .
An almost complete controller
Compared to the DualSense, the Access has some limitations. It lacks several inputs: the DualSense has 19 buttons, while the Access (with external switches) has a maximum of 14.
According to Sony, in some cases it is advisable to use two Access Controllers, or an Access together with a traditional DualSense.
The notable absentees are:
L/R trigger accelerometer
adaptive feedback
touchpad, often essential in some games.
Battery life is excellent: the DualSense is beaten by the Access Controller with a total battery life of 12 hours .
We're almost there…
In short, Sony is undoubtedly taking a huge step towards accessibility with its first adaptive device: the PlayStation Access Controller, which, despite being a device with some limitations, is still functional for many titles, especially platform and racing games, or even for games where the use of a few buttons is sufficient.
The Access Controller is available for purchase at major authorized retailers and on the official PlayStation store.
External links:
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