Over the last decade, technology has become more accessible than ever. Many companies have gone to great lengths to prove to their customers their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, including Sony.
A few months ago, the Japanese console manufacturer announced the PlayStation Access controller, a groundbreaking innovation designed to cater to gamers with disabilities, ensuring that they can enjoy their gaming sessions more comfortably and for extended periods.
Set to launch on December 6 for $89.99 with preorders now live, this revolutionary piece of hardware is the culmination of a five-year journey that Sony embarked upon to bridge the gap between gaming and accessibility.
According to a recent interview with PlayStation’s Senior Technical Program Manager, Alvin Daniel, the Access began in 2018, with Sony’s mission being to address the potential weak link in the gaming experience: the controller.
Recognizing that disabilities vary among individuals, the Access was designed to be highly reconfigurable. Sony’s approach to design was evident in its focus on three major areas: how players would hold the controller, the accuracy of button presses, and the effective use of the sticks.
The result is a compact, versatile device that can be held, placed on a surface, or even attached to a tripod. Its magnetic buttons are reconfigurable, and the stick boasts a flexible position with interchangeable caps.
Sony’s commitment to inclusivity is further highlighted by the controller’s compatibility with PlayStation VR2 and the potential for PC compatibility in the future. However, the Access controller’s true genius lies in its adaptability.
With nine buttons, a stick, and a click press, players can customize their gaming experience to their unique needs. This is particularly beneficial for games like Gran Turismo 7 and God of War Ragnarok, where specific controls can be tailored for optimal gameplay.
Throughout its development, Sony engaged in extensive player testing, seeking feedback from a diverse range of players across three continents. This rigorous testing process, which included shipping units to players’ homes during the pandemic, was instrumental in refining the controller’s design.
From its initial conception to its final iteration, the PlayStation Access controller underwent numerous revisions based on feedback from organizations like Special Effect and individual contributors with disabilities.
To further enhance the Access controller’s customization capabilities, Sony has collaborated with Logitech G. This partnership will introduce the $79.99 Adaptive Gaming Kit by Logitech, launching in January next year. This kit will offer eight additional buttons, stick-on labels, mats, and velcro ties, providing gamers with even more options to refine how they game.
By recognizing the diverse needs of gamers and investing in a solution that addresses these needs, Sony has once again proven its dedication to being one of the most innovative and community-friendly tech companies in the world. Our hope is that other gaming manufacturers will embrace this kind of innovation in the near future.
