Persons with disabilities will soon be able to enjoy a more accessible gaming experience with the release of Sony Company’s revolutionary PlayStation controller in December.
The new controller, which is still in development, will feature a variety of customizable settings and features that will allow people with a wide range of disabilities to enjoy PlayStation games.
The controller is designed to be highly adaptable and inclusive. The buttons and joysticks are removable, and the controller can be placed on a table or mounted in various directions. This makes it easy for people with limited mobility or dexterity to find a comfortable and playable setup.
The buttons can also change shape with magnetic caps, making them easier to press or grasp. Users can assign any function to any button, which gives them even more flexibility
It will also have a built-in screen that can be used to display menus and game information, a feature which will be useful for people with visual disabilities. Additionally, the controller is compatible with a variety of assistive technology devices, such as eye trackers and speech recognition software.
On the PS5 console, there are many settings for the Access controller that can be configured to meet the needs of individual players. For example, one can map buttons to create up to 30 control profiles, adjust stick settings, toggle commands on/off, or disable buttons altogether to stop accidental pressing.
It is also possible to pair up to two Access controllers and one DualSense wireless controller together and use them collaboratively.
The accessible experience starts from the moment one starts unboxing the product. Designed to be openable with one hand, the Access controller’s packaging features convenient loops that can be pulled from the left or right side, and additional loops on the inside to help open the boxes and slide the controller out easily.
The interior features slots that conveniently organise the various kit components – including 19 interchangeable button caps and 3 stick caps – in a single layer for easy identification and access.
Sony began working on this innovative controller in 2018, with the project evolving over time and involving extensive collaboration with associations and experts across different continents.
The gaming industry faces scrutiny for not addressing accessibility issues hence the innovation.
Video games provide many persons with disabilities a means to lead a more inclusive life, making them a vital tool for inclusion.
The objective is for the controller to adapt to the player, considering that no two people experience disabilities in the same way.